Memorial

Plaque Bowlby 1860 Minster

Sunderland

Memorial Name: Plaque Bowlby 1860 Minster (S140.108)

NEWMP Ref No.: S140.108

Parish: Sunderland

Original Location:

The Minster (formerly St. Michael & All Angels’) Churchyard, High Street West. Bishopwearmouth.

High on the wall in the narthex.

Which War:

Third China War, or Arrow War, 1860

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

1863

Materials Used:

Stone and ?slate

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Inscription:

In memory
of
Thomas William Bowlby
son of the late Captain Thomas Bowlby
of the Royal Artillery
who was born at Gibraltar,
was educated at the Grange School
in this Neighbourhood
and, while fulfilling the duties of
Correspondent to the Times Newspaper
in the Chinese War of 1860
was captured by the Enemy
and, with his fellow prisoners
Died under the barbarous Treatment
of his captors
on the 25th September 1860
in the 43rd year of his age.

This tablet is erected
by a body of his friends and school fellows,
as a tribute of respect and affection.

Memorial Description:

Plaque of elaborate pedimented design.

The centre panel of ?slate is inserted with a slightly curved top which bears the dedication in elaborate letters.

In each of the bottom corners there is angel holding a shield bearing the cross of St. George.

Names:

See above

Notes:

1. This war was also known as the “Arrow War” after the name of the lorcha, or schooner, “Arrow”, which indirectly served as the pretext for starting the war.

2. See his Every Name a Story entry

Sources:

Newcastle Journal
24/09/1863 reports memorial’s erection.
(Available on The British Newspaper Archive)

Shields Daily Gazette
03/01/1861 gives career details for T.W. Bowlby

Monumental Inscriptions & Dedications within St. Michael & All Angels, Bishopwearmouth and the Gravestones in the Churchyard.

The Memorial Tablets of the Minster Church of St Michael and All Angels Sunderland Brian A Myers 1999 tells Mr Bowlby’s story