Description
William Cockburn, Mason and Carver, 1844. Square-plan corniced pedestal monument on stepped base with carved shield and leaf details and inscribed panels to each face. Original footed urn from top lying adjacent. Ashlar sandstone from New Quarry, Hendersyde.
EAST ELEVATION: Inscription: THIS PEDESTAL is erected to the memory of ANNA MARIA GRIFFITH, daughter of Richard Griffith Esq., and grand-daughter of George Waldie, Esq of Hendersyde. She was born at Hendersyde Park on the 2nd October 1814, and died on 8th July, 1831, at Leamington, Warwickshire, and was buried in a Vault of that Parish Church of that town. She was beloved by all who knew her, and died in full possession of her senses, humbly trusting through her Saviour for acceptance with her Heavenly Father. 'The Gift of God is Eternal Life, through Christ our Lord.'
SOUTH ELEVATION: Inscription: LINES composed by ANNA MARIA GRIFFITH whilst travelling in an Open Carriage on her last journey to Leamington, only a fortnight before she 'drooped and died.'
The sun has sunk beneath the western sky so shall I also shortly 'droop and die.' Oh! May I set like him in splendour bright, And rise midst regions of eternal light, Where all my sins and sorrows shall be o'er, And where my earthly sun shall set no more ' Where I shall join the Chorus of the Blest, And dwell in joyful, never ending Rest.
INSCRIPTION THIRD: LINES to the late Anna Maria Griffith, by her mother. Thou art at home - my child beloved, Within these "Mansions" blest, Where sin and sorrow are unknown. And all is peace and rest! I must not then deplore that death, Which raised thy soul to bliss - But can I e'er forget, my child, The last maternal kiss? Oh! dear to me that face beloved - Oh! precious was that smile, Still would I see it beam on me, Pure, pious, free from guile. But thou are gone, my child beloved! No more thy voice I hear - No more thy presence cheers my sight, Nor renders this world dear. Oh! then I'll seek the world above, Where Death's dart has no power, Where Christ is Lord - I'll meet thee, Love, In his immortal bower.
INSCRIPTION FOURTH: Erected by Richard Griffith, Maria Jane Griffith and John Waldie, July 1st, 1844.
Statement of Special Interest
A Classical monument sited on Tanlaw Avenue, one of the tree-lined formal walks within the Hendersyde policies. The monument would have acted as an eye-catcher and is an important element within the designed parkland landscape. An iron bench, one of 6 in the policies, was originally placed by the N side of the monument, but no longer exists.
Hendersyde Park was seat to the Griffith- Waldie family. This monument was is in memory of J Waldie's eldest niece Anna Marie who was born at Hendersyde Park. She died in Leamington, aged 17. The monument was erected at the expense of her parents, Sir Richard (created a Baronet by Queen Victoria and Lord Palmerston in February 1858) and Lady Maria Jane Griffith and her uncle John Waldie.
The Mason and Carver was Mr William Cockburn, who was responsible for many of the mid 19th century structures on this estate. He was the son of David Cockburn, principal out-of-door servant to George and John Waldie, a position he held for 52 years. David and his wife resided in the West Lodge (see separate list description), and William lived at Westwood Cottage, sited across the road from the main estate.
The Tanlaw Wood Avenue is largely overgrown know and the monument is well concealed by self- seeded trees.