Image: WyndhamMonument1645Watchet

Description: Purbeck marble monumental slab with gilt-bronze inlaid relief plaques in memory of Sir John Wyndham (d.1645) and his wife Joanna Portman (d.1633), east wall of north aisle chapel, St Decuman's Church, Watchet, Somerset. He died on 1 April 1645 and was buried in Watchet Church, Somerset, where exists a memorial to himself and his wife consisting of a large slab of purbeck marble erected vertically against the east wall of the north aisle chapel, containing inlaid plaques of gilt-bronze relief-sculpted portraits and armorial shields, reminiscent of the Renaissance relief-work on the doors of the Baptistry of the Duomo in Florence. It is incised in Roman capitals thus: Veni Do(m)i(n)e Jhesu Veni Cito; Memoriae Johannis Windham equestri ordine insignis antiqua et illustri gente Windhamiorum de Felbrigg quo gavisus est jure hereditario in agro Norfolcienci oriundi; et charissimae uxoris Joannae filia Henrici Portman de Orchard juxta Taunton equitis aurati. Castissimo conjugio liberos susciperunt masculos novem sex filias. Quinquaginta duos annos continuos in hac parochia S(anc)ti Decumani in aedibus suis de Orchard familiam alverunt. Patriae judicio et populi testimonio pietate et probitate summe conspicui. Horum cineres hic clausi (a)eternum diem et suas animas et suum praestolantur redemptorem. Obiere(nt) ille 1 Apr(ilis) 1645 aetatis suae 87; illa 13 Sep(tembris) 1633 aetatis suae 68.Translated as: "Come O Lord Jesus, come quickly. To the memory of John Windham, distinguished by the order of knighthood, from the ancient and illustrious family of Windham of Felbrigg, where he rejoiced in the hereditary right, arisen in the land of Norfolk; and of his most dear wife Joanna the daughter of Henry Portman of Orchard near Taunton, golden knight. By a most chaste marriage they received nine male children, six daughters. During fifty-two continuous years in this parish of Saint Decuman in his house of Orchard they raised their family. By the judgement of his country and by the testimony of the people (he was) conspicuous in the highest piety and probity. The ashes of these were closed up here into eternal day and their souls await their Redeemer. They departed: he, the 1st of April 1645, of his age 87; she, on the 13th of September 1633, of her age 68".
Title: WyndhamMonument1645Watchet
Credit: Self-photographed
Author: Unknown sculptor
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No