KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY - RESEARCH - Studying and sharing Kent's past  Homepage


St Peter & St Paul Church M.I.s, Stoke with Index of names and places at end

Back to Churchyards listed

Some Monumental Inscriptions in St Peter & St Paul Church, Stoke, Kent
                                                                                Noted by D.E. Williams 2011


ST PETER & ST PAUL FROM THE NORTH – WEST
DESPITE MANY BEQUESTS THE TOWER
NEVER GOT ANY HIGHER !

1.   Headstone, Very Eroded (Section D)

IN
MEMORY OF
MARY AUSTEN
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS
LIFE FEB. 17th 1781 AGED [ ]8 YEARS
ALSO TWO CHILDREN, SON AND DAUGHTER ?
[WHO LIE INTERRED ?] NEAR THIS PLACE
[Eroded Verses]

2.   Headstone (Section A)

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
WILLIAM AYERS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
IN PEACE 11th OF JUNE 1875
AGED 69 YEARS
"Jesus sought me when a Stranger,
Wandering from the Fold of God,
He to Save my Soul from Danger,
Interposed his Precious Blood"
ALSO ANN WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JUNE 8th 1884
AGED 76 YEARS
"Him that Loved me and gave
Himself for me"
ALSO CAROLINE HILL
WHO DIED MARCH 16th 1908
AGED 78 YEARS
"Come unto me all ye that Labour and are
Heavy Laden and I will give you Rest"

William Ayers, A Coal Merchant (1861 Census)

BARBER see BENNETT

3.   Iron Cross (Section B)

FRANCIS (sic) ROSINA BARBER
DIED MARCH 24th 1914
AGED 33 YEARS
R.I.P.

4.   Headstone (Section C)

IN MEMORY OF Mr JOHN BELL
OF THIS PARISH YEOMAN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 28th AUGT.
1778 AGED 59 ? YEARS
ALSO Mrs ANN BELL
WIFE OF THE ABOVE WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE 1st ? MAY 1801
AGED 77 YEARS
AND SEVEN CHILDREN
WHO DIED IN THEIR INFANCY
[Eroded Verses]

John Bell, Farmer. No Will but an Inventory in the Rochester Courts, dated 23rd June 1779, appraised by Samuel Button and Thomas Chambers


Wearing apparel
Goods in the Fire Room
Goods in the Brew House
Goods in the Milk House
Goods in the Cellar
Goods in the Small Beer Room
Goods in the Best Chamber
Goods in the other Chamber
Goods in the Garret
Hoggs
Horses
In Stable, Harness for 4 Horses
Harrows and Plough
One Waggon
Barn Tackling
Cow Cribbs etc in the Yard
One Cart and Wheelbarrow
Shovels, Spades & Working Tools
Cows and Budds
                                     Total 

£     s   d
 3    5   6
 3    0   0
 4    0   0
 2    5   0
 4  10   6
 1    5   0
 9    0   0
 2  10   0
 1    0   0
 5    5   0
 28    0   0
 6    0   0
 4  10   0
 7    7   0
 2  17   0
 0  14   0
 1  10   0
 1    1   0
 32    0   0
120   0   0

5.   Headstone, Very Eroded (Section C)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
Mrs ELIZABETH BELL
WIFE OF Mr HENRY BELL
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE THE 22nd OF JAN. 1829
AGED 55 YEARS
A GOOD WIFE AND LOVING
MOTHER
ALSO SIX OF THEIR CHILDREN
ANN [   ] YEARS AND 6 MONTHS
ELIZA [   ] YEARS AND 4 MONTHS
AND FOUR IN THEIR INFANCY
ALSO THE ABOVE
Mr HENRY BELL
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
[THE ] OF AUGUST 1830
IN THE [64th ] YEARS OF HIS AGE

Henry Bell, of Stoke, Yeoman, Rochester Will dated25th August 1830
   Son in law William Shearman of Cliffe, Carpenter and Andrew Webb of Stoke, Labourer are his Executors.
   Household goods and furniture,farm stock, effects, implements, crops, money, to executors, Upon Trust, to sell and divide proceeds, equally among his children, Henry, John, Sarah wife of Edward Tulett, Ann wife of William Shearman, Elizabeth wife of Thomas Taylor, Matilda wife of William Ironmonger and Phyllis Bell.
   If any of his children die without heirs their share to the others, if they leave children, their share for maintenance and education of those children.
   Signs with a Mark
   Witnesses: Thos. Jeal, Wheelwright, Stoke and H. Wickham, Strood

6.   Headstone (Section C)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JAMES BELL
WHO DIED OCTOBER 10th 1846
AGED 72 YEARS
"Today if you will hear His Voice,
Harden not your Hearts,
ALSO ANN WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED MARCH 19th 1860
AGED 82 YEARS
"The Blood of Jesus Christ
[Cleans]eth from all Sins"
ALSO ELIZA SMITH
DAUGHTER OF F. (or E.) SMITH
WHO DIED JANUARY 1851
AGED 4 MONTHS

Mary Ann Bennett, wife of James Bennett, who was Publican of the "Ship Inn" (1881 Census)

7.   Headstone (Section D)

IN AFFECTIONATE REMBRANCE
OF
MARY ANN
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
JAMES BENNETT
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 15th 1882
AGED 45 YEARS
"Dear Mother has gone , the grave has
Received her, she has gone to the Lord,
Who by Grace hath Redeemed her,
It was Jesus that called her away"

8.   Headstone, Large Plot (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
HENRY BENNETT
WHO DIED MAY 16th 1907
AGED 54 YEARS
"His End was Peace"
ALSO
FRANCES ROSINA BARBER
BELOVED DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED MARCH 24th 1914
AGED 33 YEARS
ALSO
EMILY BENNETT
BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 16th 1915
AGED 51 YEARS
"At Rest"
ALSO
WILLIAM HENRY BENNETT
YOUNGEST SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION AT REF DU BOIS, MAY 9th 1915
AGED 27 YEARS
BURIED IN BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, FRANCE

Rear
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
GEORGE HENRY BENNETT
DIED MAY 23rd 1916
AGED 32 YEARS
ALSO
EMILY ROBINA GODDARD
DIED OCT. 26th 1918
AGED 28 YEARS

9.   Headstone (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
REBECCA
THE YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM
AND HARRIET BROAD
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 1st 1891
AGED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS , 3 WEEKS
"Weep not for me my Parents Dear,
For Christ has pleased to place me here,
Dry up those tears you shed in Vain,
You cannot call me Back Again"
ALSO
HARRIET ANN BROAD
THE BELOVED ? DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JULY 26th 1893
AGED [26] YEARS
"I heard [the Voice of Jesus say]
Come unto [me and Rest]
Lay down [                 ]
Thy head [                ]"
"Patience [                ]"

10.   Headstone (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
HARRIETT
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
WILLIAM BROAD
WHO DIED APRIL 23rd 1899
AGED 67 YEARS
"Oh , I miss her but how sadly,
A Bleeding Heart alone can tell,
I have lost her, Heaven has found her,
Jesus has done all things Well"
ALSO THE ABOVE
WILLIAM BROAD
WHO DIED MARCH 15th 1912
AGED 83 YEARS
"Gone but not Forgotten"

11.   Headstone (Section B)

IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
ELIZA
THE BELOVED DAUGHTER OF
WILLIAM AND HARRIETT
BROAD
WHO DIED JULY 23rd 1906
AGED 49 YEARS
"Blessed are the Dead which
Die in the Lord, from henceforth,
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
May Rest from their Labours"

12.   Headstone (Section A)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH JANE
WIFE OF
JOHN ROBERT BUCKHURST
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 19th DAY OF APRIL 1852
AGED 51 YEARS
ALSO
ANNE DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 9th DAY OF DECEMBER 1835
AGED 9 MONTHS
"Blessed are the Dead which Die in the Lord"

13.   Headstone (Section A)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN ROBERT BUCKHURST
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 5th DAY OF APRIL 1869
AGED 74 YEARS

John Buckhurst, Grazier and House Proprietor, of Lower Stoke (1851 Census)

14.   Headstone, Flaked (Section D

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
ELIZABETH
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE EDWARD BURBIDGE
OF THIS PARISH
DIED 6th SEPTEMBER 1876
AGED 36 YEARS
"Struggle through thy latest Passion,
To thy Dear Redeemer's Breast,
To His uttermost Salvation,
To His Everlasting Rest"
"[    ] I will in no wise Cast Off"
[ALSO THE ] [FOLL]OWING CHILDREN
[HENRY] [DIED] 7th ?APRIL 1862
[AGED 3] MONTHS
[ELIZABETH DIED] 27th SEPTEMBER 1862
[AGED 7] MONTHS
[GEORGE THOMAS DIED] 29th ? NOVEMBER 1863
[AGED 3] YEARS
[Rest Eroded]

George Burbridge, A Blacksmith. (1861 Census)

15.   Headstone, Flaked (Section D)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ANN WIFE OF
WILLIAM BUSH
WHO DIED 17th MAY 1863 AGED[2]7 YEARS
ALSO TWO CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED IN THEIR INFANCY
"[Fare]well Dear Husband and child[ren too],
[By] God's Command I leave this [World and You],
[No] more on Earth shall I yo[ur faces see],
[But] Hope in Heaven we all s[hall meet again]"
ALSO THE ABOVE WILLI[AM BUSH]
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
[   ] [SE]PTEMBER [1866] AGED [32] [YEARS]
ALSO ANN PORRINGER
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY 18th 1884 AGED 33? YEARS
"Watch therefore, for ye know not what Hour
Your Lord doth Come"

William Bush, Agricultural Labourer of Mill Houses, Allhallows Road (1861 Census)

CHAPMAN see SCOTT

16.   Headstone (Section C)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
THOMAS COLCHIN
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 28th
1860
AGED 47 YEARS
"In the Midst of Life we are in Death"

Thomas Colchin, in 1851, a Farm Waggoner at Sharsted, Doddington, born in Stoke (Census)

17.   Headstone and Body Stone (Section B)

HERE LIETH THE REMAINS
OF
MARY DAVISON THE WIFE OF
JAMES DAVISON OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 24th DAY
OF JANUARY 1797 AGED 43 YEARS
"Farewell Dear Husband and Children Too,
By God's Command I leave the World and You,
No more on Earth I shall your Faces See,
But Hope in Heaven our Souls will Happy be"
ALSO SIX OF THEIR CHILDREN
ELIZABETH DIED THE 8th DAY OF MAY 1788
AGED 15 YEARS
JAMES DIED THE 16th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 17[88]
AGED 12 YEARS
THOMAS DIED THE 17th DAY OF JULY 1792
AGED 14 YEARS
AND THREE WHO DIED IN THEIR INFANCY
ALSO THE ABOVE JAMES DAVISON WHO
DIED THE 29th DAY OF JUNE 1814 AGED 58 YEARS
"Kind, Tender Parent he has been,
Tho' many Troubles he has seen,
But now his Body is at Rest,
We Hope the Lord his Soul will Bless"
ALSO TWO CHILDREN OF DAVID & MARY DAY
ELIZABETH DAY BORN THE 22nd OF APRIL
1805 DIED THE 28th OF SEPTEMBER 1806
WILLIAM DAY BORN THE 28th OF JULY
1806 DIED THE 22nd OF FEBRUARY 1807

James Davison, Yeoman of Stoke. P.C.C. Will dated 7th February 1810
   To daughter Esther wife of Timothy Walter of Strood, Fisherman, £200 in instalments, over 8 years following his death. To Esther and daughter, Mary wife of David Day of Strood, Victualler, household goods, furniture, implements of agriculture, china and glass, equally. Money, securities, bonds, etc to Mary Day, David Day and John Vain,of St. Mary's, Yeoman, Joint Executors.
   Witnesses: Wm Jefferys, Attorney at Law, Chatham, Wm Jefferys, Junior and Wm Nokes, his Clerks

18.   Headstone (Section C)

JOHN DAW
DIED 26th NOVEMBER 1809
IN THE 69th YEAR OF HIS AGE
DURING THE GREATEST PART OF HIS LIFE
HE FILLED THE HUMBLE BUT CONFIDENTIAL OFFICE
OF A SHEPHERD
WITH EXEMPLARY DILIGENCE AND PUNCTUALITY
AT ALL TIMES HE SHOWED HIMSELF A PATTERN
HIGHLY WORTHY OF IMITATION
IN A TWOFOLD CAPACITY
AS THE MOST FAITHFUL OF SERVANTS
TO HIS MASTERS
AS THE MOST CAREFUL OF MASTERS
TO HIS FLOCK
OUT OF SINCERE RESPECT
FOR HIS RETIRED BUT USEFUL VIRTUES
HIS EMPLOYERS HAVE PAID THIS LAST TRIBUTE
TO HIS MEMORY
ANN THE WIFE
DIED 21st JANUARY 1811
AGED 59 YEARS

DAY see DAVISON

19.   Headstone (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
MY DEAR WIFE
BESSIE DIXON
WHO DIED DECEMBER 9th 1910
AGED 31 YEARS
"Never shall she be Forgotten,
Never shall her Memory Fade,
Our Fondest Love shall ever Linger,
Round the Spot where she is Laid"

GODDARD see BENNETT

20.   Headstone (Section A)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH GODDEN
WIFE OF
THOMAS GODDEN
WHO DIED THE 26th OF OCTOBER 1830
AGED 72 YEARS
"Farewell Dear Husband and Children Too,
By God's Command I leave the World and You,
No more on Earth I shall your Faces See,
But Hope in Heaven our Souls will Happy be"
ALSO THE ABOVE
THOMAS GODDEN
WHO DIED THE 25th OF MARCH 1834
AGED 71 YEARS
"Kind, Tender Parent he has been,
Though many Troubles he has seen,
But now his Body is at Rest,
We Hope the Lord his Soul will Bless"

21.   Headstone and Two Body Stones on Stone Slab (Section A)

ERECTED
IN MEMORY OF HENRY GOODING
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECEMBER 3rd 1805 AGED 61 YEARS
"With Patience at the Last he did Submit,
And Murmer'd not at what the Lord thought fit,
In Grievous Illness, Smart and Pain,
When Doctors Skill and Physick were in Vain,
But with a Christian Courage did Resign,
His Soul to God at his Appointed Time"

Henry Gooding, of Stoke, Yeoman, Rochester Will dated 27th February 1801
   To wife Ann £60 annuity for life, paid quarterly by Elizabeth Everist, his daughter who is Executor.
   To wife Ann furniture of 2 rooms in his house, kitchen and chamber over it, she also gets £15.
   To daughter Elizabeth Everist his lands and property, bonds, bills, cash, corn, plate ,linen, china, except that already given to wife.
   To Richard Everist, son in law, goods and chattles on land and yards in his occupation, also corn, seeds growing on the land at his death. To James Bell, son in law, £100. To Henry Bell, son in law, £50. Latter to hold all lands now in his occupation for 20 years from Michaelmass 1801, provided that he pays Elizabeth Everist yearly rents.
   Witnesses: John Pearce, Elizabeth Rosam and John Baker

22.   Headstone, Oldest in Churchyard (Section A)


SIMON GOODWIN AND CHILDREN, 1675 – 1686
THE OLDEST MONUMENT IN THE CHURCHYARD

SIMON GOODWIN
DEPARTED THIS LIFE YE 19th DAY
OF NOVEMBER IN YE YEAR OF OUR
LORD 1675 AGED [   ] YEARS
LEAVING [    ] SONS AND [   ] DAUGHTERS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE
NAMES OF THEM ARE THESE
THOMAS, ELIZABETH, ARTHUR,
NICHOLAS, SIMON, JANE, ROBERT
THOMAS YE 2nd DEPARTED THIS
LIFE JUNE YE 26th 1686 AGED
21 YEARS
RICHARD DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY YE 29th IN YE SAME YEAR
BEING AGED 24 YEARS

Simon Goodwin The headstone is the earliest one in the churchyard. No will has been found, but it seems certain that Goodwin was a Farmer; there was formerly in Stoke, a Goodwin's Farm

23.   Headstone (Section A)

IN MEMORY OF
MARIA WIDOW OF THE LATE
RICHARD GOORD OF ALLHALLOWS
AND DAUGHTER OF
GEORGE AND MARY LATHBURY
WHO DIED THE 1st OF DECEMBER 1893
AGED 85 YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE
RICHARD GOORD
WHO DIED THE 16th OF SEPTEMBER 1884
AGED 89 YEARS
INTERRED IN BOBBING CHURCHYARD
"Thine Eyes shall see the King in his Beauty,
They shall behold the Land that is very far off"

Richard Goord was a Farmer (Various Directories)

24.   Grey Granite Pedestals, Cross and Curbs (Section A)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ANN MARIA
ELDEST DAUGHTER OF THE LATE
RICHARD AND MARIA GOORD
BORN MAY 23rd 1836 DIED DECEMBER 20th 1909
"Rest in Peace"

25.   Grey Granite Pedestals, Cross and Curbs (Section A)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
EMILY GOORD
DIED 4th NOVEMBER 1913
AGED 75 YEARS
MARY GOORD
DIED 25th MARCH 1917 AGED 74 YEARS

26.   Headstone (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
MARY HILL
FORMERLY OF DEVONPORT
AND BELOVED WIFE OF
ADOLPHUS GROVES
WHO DIED OCTOBER 1st 1905
AGED 63 YEARS
"Whither thou Goest I will Go"

Mary Hill's husband, Adolphus, was a Labourer at H.M Dockyard at Devonport in 1901 (Census)

27.   Headstone, Large Plot (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ANN
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
STEPHEN HARBER
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
AUGUST 16th 1911
IN HER 74th YEAR
"Afflictions sore, long time I Bore,
Physicians were in Vain,
Till Death did Cease and God did Please,
To Ease me of my Pain"
ALSO THE ABOVE
STEPHEN HARBER
WHO DIED APRIL 30th 1931
AGED 88 YEARS

Stephen Harber was a Blacksmith at Middle Stoke (1901 Census)

28.   Broken Ledger against South Churchyard Wall (Section C)

TO THE MEMORY
OF
ALFRED SIDNEY HARR[IS]
[        ] NEARLY FOUR YEARS
[           ] THE DEARLY LOVED
[                                                 ]
AND OF [                     ]
THE REVD. A.E.O. HARRIS
VICAR OF THIS PARISH
AND
ELIZA SOPHIA
HIS WIFE
HE WAS BORN FEB. 15th 1859
AND DIED DEC. 27th 1862

29.   Headstone (Section A

IN MEMORY OF
REV. ALFRED EDWARD ORMONDE
HARRIS
FOR 37 YEARS VICAR OF THIS PARISH
WHO ENTERED INTO REST JANUARY 10th 1894
AGED 67 YEARS
"Jesus saith unto him, "I am the Way,
The Truth and the Life"

HILL see AYERS

30.   Headstone (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
LAWRENCE HENRY
THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF
AMELIA HOBBS
WHO WAS DROWNED OCTOBER 24th 1900
AGED 23 YEARS
ALSO
LAURA MILDRED LAURIE
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED DECEMBER 1st 1900
AGED 2 MONTHS
"Gone but not Forgotten,
Never shall thy Memory Fade,
Sweetest Thoughts shall ever Linger,
Round the spot where thou are Laid"

31.   Eroded Headstone, Foot Stone (Section A)

S J 1837 SARAH JEAL, MARCH, AGED 17 YEARS
M A J 1842 MARY ANN JEAL, MAY, AGED 2 YEARS
F J 1848 FRANCES JEAL, AUGUST, AGED 12 YEARS
S J 186[7]? SARAH JEAL?, DECEMBER, AGED 66 YEARS
E J 1863 ?E J 1867 EMILY JEAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY, AGED 27 YEARS
T J 1868 THOMAS JEAL, DECEMBER, AGED 78 YEARS

Thomas Jeal In 1851, a Wheelwright at Middle Stoke, employing 2 sons, as well as being Parish Clerk (Census)

32.   Headstone (Section D)

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
OUR DEAR NIECE
MARY ANN JOHNSON
DIED 11th APRIL 1900
AGED 16 YEARS
"But he said "Weep Not,
She is not Dead but Sleepeth"

LATHBURY see GOORD

33.   Headstone (Section A)

IN MEMORY OF
GEORGE LATHBURY
OF THIS PARISH YEOMAN
WHO DIED THE 5th OF NOVEMBER 1825
AGED 80 YEARS
ALSO MARY WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED THE [    ] OF FEBRUARY 1822
AGED 59 YEARS
JOHN SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED THE 5th ? OF FEBRUARY 18[13]
AGED [11]YEARS

George Lathbury, Yeoman Farmer of Stoke, P.C.C. Will dated 10th June 1823, with Codicil dated 2nd August 1823
   Son James Lathbury of Bow and Nathaniel Brister of Stoke, Yeoman, are his Executors. Desires to be buried in Stoke churchyard.
   To son James and daughters Martha and Maria, £300 out of £400 stock bought in the 5% (now in the 4%) They to share the £300 equally, they also share household furniture, linen, plate, glass etc.
   To daughter Mary, wife of Edward Tanner of Rochester and daughter Elizabeth wife of Richard Fenner of Chatham, six freehold tenements under one roof east of his dwelling house, and south of his garden in Stoke, occupied by Kendal, Philpot, Usher and Frazier, the other two, empty, equally. To son James and daughters Martha and Maria, his now dwelling house and three houses occupied by John Kemsley, Jones and Ann Knight, with stables, all in Stoke, in equal shares.
   To grandson, James Dobson of Stoke, £10. To grand daughter, Mary Lewin of St. Mary's £10. To grand daughter Sarah Dobson, £10, at 21 years.
   Residue to his three children.
   Witnesses: Wm. Buck, Geo. Knight and John Kemsley

CODICIL
Son John of Luddesdown, Victualler, also to be an executor
Witness: Geo. Knight
8th December 1825. Betty Lathbury, Widow of 4 King Street,Poplar, swears on oath that Codicil is in George Lathbury's hand.
Proved 16th December 1825

34.   Headstone (Section D)

IN
MEMORY
OF
JOSEPH LORDEN
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED MARCH 7th 1872
AGED 79 YEARS
ALSO
JAMES LORDEN
BELOVED SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JANUARY 30th 1882
AGED 38 YEARS
"Weep not Dear Friends but be Content,
For unto you we were only Lent,
The Lord has only had his Due,
And Very Soon may call for You"
ALSO SARAH LORDEN
BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 2nd 1885
AGED 81 YEARS

Joseph Lorden, a Shepherd in 1851 at Combe Farm in St. Mary's? (Census)

35.   Headstone (Section B)


ELIZABETH WIFE OF THOMAS LOYNES, DIED1748

HERE LIETH YE BODY OF
ELIZABETH WIFE OF
THOS. LOYNES LATE BOATSWAIN
OF HIS MAJ. SHIP MARLBOROUGH
WHO DIED YE 3rd SEPT. 174[8]
AGED 68 YEARS

Thomas Loynes, husband of Elizabeth, moved to Chalk, where he died in 1759, but his Rochester Court Will was written (in his own hand) at Stoke. It is dated 1st November 1748
   To son Roger £10 from his Superannuation Money, when paid, and best suit of clothes, four good shirts, hats and wigs. Rest of estate to daughter Frances wife of Nathaniel Boatham of Stoke, she is also Executor.
   Witnesses :Joshua Powell, Clerk (Vicar) and William Martin.

36.   Headstone, Large Plot, "Crazy" Paving (Section B)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH WIFE OF
RICHARD MUGGERIDGE
WHO DIED 12th DECEMBER 1859
AGED 46 YEARS
"Her Years of Probation were Few,
But Jesus had Taught her to Pray,
And Jesus her Saviour she Knew,
Before she was Summon'd Away,
She frequently Longed to be Gone,
To join the Blest Spirits Above,
To sit on Immanuel's Throne,
And feel all the Transports of Love"
ALSO IN LOVING MEMORY OF
RICHARD MUGGERIDGE
WHO DIED 27th NOVEMBER 1883
AGED 74 YEARS
"I bring my Sins to Thee,
The Sins I cannot count,
That all may Cleaned be,
I thy once opened Fount,
I bring them Saviour all to Thee,
The Burden is too Great for Me"

Richard Muggeridge, a Grazier of 400 acres of Saltings (1861 Census), Farmer at Brister's Farm?, Grain Road, 33 acres, employing one man (1871 Census)

37.   Pedestals, Cross Broken, Curbs (Section B)

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF OUR DARLING BOY
JAMES MUGGERIDGE
DIED OCT. 27th 1888
IN HIS 5th YEAR
ALSO OLIVE & FLORENCE
WHO DIED IN INFANCY

38.   Headstone and "Crazy" Paving (Section B)

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
ARTHUR WILLIAM MUGGERIDGE
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 12th 1899
AGED 13 YEARS
"For some wise End our Lord Knew Best,
Our Youngest Son has gone to Rest,
So at his Will we Humbly Bow,
For he is in Heaven and Happy now"

39.   Headstone (Section A)


PRISCILLA NISBET, WIFE OF HENRY NISBET
OF LEADENHALL STREET, DIED 1818

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
PRISCILLA WIFE OF
Mr HENRY NISBET
OF LEADENHALL STREET
LONDON
WHO DIED AUGUST THE 21st
1818 AGED 39 YEARS

Henry Nisbet, husband of Priscilla, left a P.C.C. Will when he died in 1836. It contains no reference to Stoke. He did have an interest in Oyster Beds in Essex.

40.   Ledger on Ground, Originally inside Church ? (Section C)

HERE
LYETH INTERRED THE BODY OF
THOMAS PARKER
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY
YE 1st 1730 AGED 41? YEARS

Thomas Parker, this ledger may have originally been inside the church?

41.   Classical Chest Tomb, Large Plot, Once Railed (Section D)

North Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELEANOR WIFE OF JAMES PEARSON, ESQ.
WHO DIED 24th DECEMBER 1825
AGED 59?

South Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JAMES PEARSON ESQ.
WHO DIED OCTOBER 23rd 1844
AGED 85

West Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY
OF THE REVEREND
JAMES PEARSON
WHO WAS CURATE AND
VICAR OF THIS PARISH
34 YEARS AND
DEPARTED THIS LIFE
14th MAY 1856
AGED 64

James Pearsom, died 1844 was Collector of Excise at Rochester (Death Notice in "The Times")
Rev. James Pearson, also farmed 106 acres, employing 4 men, and 4 women and children.

PORRINGER see BUSH

42.   Side Panel from Ruined Classical Chest Tomb (Section A)

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
THE REV. BENJAMIN POWEL
LATE CURATE OF THIS PARISH
AND ALSO OF THE PARISH OF ALLHALLOWS 28 YEARS
WHO DIED JANUARY 31st? 1814
AGED 52 YEARS

43.   Fallen Headstone (Section A)

IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
JANE THE BELOVED WIFE OF
WILLIAM REYNOLDS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JUNE 8th 1890
AGED 67 YEARS
"The Cup is Bitter, the Sting Severe,
To Part with One we Loved so Dear,
The Trial is Hard we'll not Complain,
But Trust in Heaven to Meet Again"
ALSO WILLIAM REYNOLDS
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 7th 1909
AGED 85 YEARS
INTERRED IN SITTINGBOURNE CEMETERY

William Reynolds, was a Labourer at Malmaynes (1881 Census)

44.   Headstone (Section B)

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
MARY ELIZABETH
THE BELOVED WIFE OF ALBERT REYNOLDS
WHO FELL ASLEEP 8th AUGUST 1899
AGED 35 YEARS
"Sleep on Beloved, Sleep and take thy Rest,
Lay down thy Head upon thy Saviour's Breast,
We Loved thee well but Jesus Loved thee Best,
Goodnight! Goodnight! Goodnight!"

45.   Fallen Headstone (Section A)

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
JULIA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
DANIEL RILEY
WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 14th 1888
AGED 64 YEARS
"Whilst in the World, I did Remain,
My Latter Days were Grief and Pain,
But when the Lord, he thought it Best,
He took me to a Place of Rest"

Julia Riley, in 1881 she is a widow of Lower Stoke,and a Washerwoman, she has two sons, one an Agricultural Labourer, the other a Merchant Seaman. She was born in Ireland. (Census)

46.   Headstone (Section B)

IN MEMORY OF
JOHN SCOTT OF YS PARISH
WHO DIED YE 6th OF JUNE 1769
AGED 56 YEARS
"Afflictions Sore long time I Bore,
Physicians were in Vain,
Till God did Please to give me Ease,
And Free me from all my Pain"

John Scott, probably a Farmer, he died at "Tuders Farm" (Register)

47.   Headstone (Section B)


JOHN SCOTT OF "TUDERS" or TUDOR FARM, DIED 1769

HERE LIETH THE REMAINS
OF
ALICE SCOTT WIDOW OF
JOHN SCOTT OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JULY THE
28th 1795 AGED 72 YEARS
ALSO THREE OF HER CHILDREN
MARY SCOTT DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECEMBER THE 14th 1759 AGED 9 MONTHS
JOHN SCOTT DEPARTED THIS LIFE
MAY THE 11th 1780 AGED 19 YEARS
ALSO Mrs HANNAH CHAPMAN WIFE
OF Mr EDMUND CHAPMAN OF
THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
OCTOBER THE 28th 1784 AGED 29 YEARS

SMITH see BELL

48.   Headstone (Section A)

IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
MARY STEDMAN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
FEBRUARY 9th 1885
AGED 66 YEARS
ALSO
THOMAS STEDMAN
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 18th ? 1886
AGED 80 YEARS
[Rest Eroded]

Thomas Stedman, an Hay Binder in 1861 (Census)

49.   Grey Granite Pedestals, Celtic Cross (Section B)

IN MEMORY OF THE
REVD. THOMAS JOHN
CLEAVE WARNE M.A.
15 YEARS VICAR OF THIS PARISH
ENTERED INTO REST AUGUST 16th 1909
AGED 54 YEARS
"My Trust is in the Tender Mercy of
God for Ever and Ever"

50.   Headstone (Section D)

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF
CHARLES WATSON
DIED JULY 23rd 1882
AGED 19 YEARS
"Dearest Son thou hast Left us,
And thy Loss we Deeply Feel,
But 'tis God who hath Bereft us,
He can all our Sorrow Heal,
Yet again we Hope to Meet thee,
When the Day of Life is Fled,
Then in Heaven with Joy to Greet thee,
Where no Farewell Tear is Shed"
ALSO
WILLIAM DIED APRIL 16th 1871
AGED 2 YEARS , 11 MONTHS
CLARA DIED APRIL 30th 1871
AGED 5 WEEKS
JOHN DIED SEP. 3rd 1871
AGED 14 YEARS
ERNEST JOHN DIED FEB. 5th 1874
AGED 14 MONTHS
ARTHUR DIED SEP. 27th ? 1881
[AGED 2 YEARS]
[ALSO] JOHN WATSON
[Rest eroded]

Charles Watson, an Agricultural Labourer of Lower Stoke (1881 Census)

51.   Pedestals, Fallen Cross, Curbs (Section B)

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JANE ELIZA WICKENS
THE BELOVED WIFE OF H. WICKENS
LATE CORPORAL KENT C.C.
DIED 26th MAY 1912 AGED 61 YEARS
"Peace, Perfect Peace"

H. Wickens, husband of Jane, was a Kent Police Corporal at Cliffe (1901 Census)

52.   Headstone (Section A)

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
ELIZA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE WILLOUGHBY
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED MAY 20th 1888
AGED 44 YEARS
SHE WAS A LOVING WIFE AND AN
AFFECTIONATE MOTHER
"Her End was Joy and Peace,
She fell asleep in Jesus"
THE FOLLOWING WORDS WERE SUNG
BY HER REPEATEDLY THE LAST FEW
DAYS OF SOJOURN HERE
"Just as I am without one Plea,
But that thy Blood was Shed for Me,
And that thou bidds't me Come to Thee,
O, Lamb of God, I Come, I Come"
"She is not Dead but Sleepeth"

George Willoughby, husband of Eliza, a Waggoner at Malmaynes (1881 Census)

53.   Headstone (Section A)

IN
LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE MEMORY
OF
GEORGE WILLOUGHBY
WHO WAS ACCIDENTALLY KILLED AT COOLING
BY A FALL OF CHALK JUNE 10th 1899
AGED 36 YEARS
"For what is your Life ? It is even a Vapour,
That Appeareth for a Little Time, and then,
Vanisheth Away"

George Willoughby, died 1899, was an Agricultural Labourer at Malmaynes in 1881 (Census) he may have been at Barton's Farm, Hoo in 1891 (Census). His death was reported in the "Chatham News", 17th June 1899

SHOCKING FATALITY AT COOLING - MAN BURIED ALIVE IN A CHALK-HOLE
"George Willoughby, a waggoner in the employ of Mr Frederick Baker at Marsh Gate Farm, Cooling, met his death in a terrible manner on Saturday morning last. Together with his son, a lad aged 14, he had gone to get chalk from a chalk-hole in the village, when a sudden fall of earth buried him and killed him instantly.
   The son had a remarkable escape, he having stepped aside only a moment previously to take a rest.
   As it was, the earth covered his legs and he experienced some difficulty in releasing himself. The boy showed great presence of mind under the trying circumstances. Before running for assistance he first shovelled away the earth from his father's head, but unfortunately this availed the poor fellow nothing as life was already extinct.
   The sad affair was investigated before Mr W. J. Harris, County Coroner at the Horse Shoe Inn, Cooling, on Monday afternoon. The first witness called was.
   Ellen Emma Smith, sister in law to the deceased who gave evidence of identification. The deceased resided at Marsh-gate Farm, Cooling, was 36 years of age and was employed as waggoner.
   George Willoughby, the little son of the deceased, said he worked with his father as mate. At eight o'clock on Saturday morning last, he went with deceased to Cooling chalk-hole for two loads of chalk.
   Deceased picked the chalk underneath and witness shovelled it up into the cart. When witness had finished, deceased told him to stand back and have a blow. Witness turned round to look at the horses, and almost immediately there was a fall of earth.. It came up to witnesses knees and buried his father completely under it. Witness struggled and got out, and then tried to to find his father with the shovel. He at last came across his head downwards. He pulled him out and ran for assistance. Mr Spearman came quickly, but deceased was dead. Witness believed he was killed instantly.
   Henry Croucher, bailiff to Mr George Tapp, of Cooling Castle, deposed to being attracted by the cries of the last witness. He went into the chalk-hole and found deceased buried in the earth with the exception of his head, which had been uncovered. He was quite dead. Witness assisted to get him out and convey him to the farm.
   Mr Arthur Boolda Rogers, surgeon in practise at Cliffe, said that he was called to see the body. He found that the deceased had been struck on the forehead. There was also a cut on the cheek, and considerable bruising all over the body. In witnesses opinion death, which must have been instantaneous was cause by concussion of the brain.
   The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death"

54.   Fallen Headstone (Section A)

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
HARRIET
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE WILLOUGHBY
WHO DIED AT PARSONAGE FARM, STOKE
DECEMBER 20th 1907
AGED 77 YEARS
AFTER A LONG AND PAINFULL ILLNESS SHE WAS
QUITE READY AND PASSED AWAY IN PEACE
"We shall Meet Again"
ALSO THE ABOVE
GEORGE WILLOUGHBY
CHURCHWARDEN FOR THE REV. WARNE
FOR 16 YEARS
WHO DIED NOVEMBER 21st 1909
AGED 76 YEARS
"Passed away in Peace"

George Willoughby, died 1909, a Farm Servant, at Parsonage Farm ?(see Harriet Willoughby, died 1907)

END

Index of names from gravestones only

Names
AUSTEN 1
AYERS 2
BARBER 3, 8
BELL 4, 5, 6
BENNETT 7, 8
BROAD 9, 10, 11
BUCKHURST 12, 13
BURBIDGE 14
BUSH 15
CLEAVE 49
COLCHIN 16
DAVISON 17

DAW 18
DAY 18
DIXON 19
GODDARD 8
GODDEN 20
GOODING 21
GOODWIN 22
GOORD 23, 24, 25
GROVES 26
HARBER 27
HARRIS 28, 29
HILL 2

HOBBS30
JEAL 31
JOHNSON 32
LATHBURY 24, 33
LORDEN 34
LOYNES 35
MUGGERIDGE 36, 37, 38
NISBET 39
PARKER 40
PEARSON 41
PORRINGER 15
POWEL 42

REYNOLDS 43, 44
RILEY 45
SCOTT 46, 47
SMITH 6
STEDMAN 48
WARNE 49
WATSON 50
WICKENS 51
WILLOUGHBY 52, 53, 54

For details about the advantages of membership of the Kent Archaeological Society   click here

Back to Churchyards listed       Back to Library and Visual Records        Back to Research         Back to Homepage

Kent Archaeological Society is a registered charity number 223382
© Kent Archaeological Society August 2014

This website is constructed by enthusiastic amateurs.  Any errors noticed by other researchers will be to gratefully received so
 that we can amend our pages to give as accurate a record as possible. Please send details too research@kentarchaeology.org.uk