Archer, Thomas

In Latin: "Sacred to the memory of Thomas Archer esquire youngest son of Thomas Archer of Umberslade in the county of Warwick, esquire, late Scholar of Trinity College, Oxford, where for three years of academical studies, and afterwards in four years of travel, he advanced and completed his education. Having returned to England fully adorned with a striking figure, handsome body and with noble limbs, he shone forth at Court, the most beautiful ornament and glory of youth. He was made Groom Porter to Her Majesty Queen Anne 1703 and Praefect of Customs at Newcastle A.D. 1715. In that year he bought this estate that you see here, reader, and entirely re-built that pleasant country house and made durable this Church, which was nearly ready to fall from age, and added to the adornment at his own expense. He married two wives, excellent women. First Eleanor, only daughter and heiress of John Archer of Welford in the County of Berkshire, esquire, who before she had completed the first year of her married life was taken by the Scourge of Smallpox almost in childbirth. In his second marriage he wedded Anne, only daughter of John Chaplin of Tathwell, Lincoln, esquire from whom he had no issue, that supreme delight to much loved wives, and pledge of conjugal fidelity, and placed his lifetime this monument to himself. He was a man equal to the highest office, superior to titles, loving his country thoroughly, still more beloved by his country. Generous to the poor, a favourite with the rich, a friend to the wretched, beloved by all. He died 22 May 1743 aged 75y. Truly penitent of his sins and with a certain hope of rising again in Christ and believing humbly in God. May He who kept him blessed so long on earth, keep him for ever blessed on high. " Translation by Colonel Goff, amended.