Barnardus and James La Grange

On the south wall of St Margaret's church Westminster is a memorial tablet to Barnardus La Grange, his son James and daughter Frances, all of whom are buried in a vault in the church.

The monument was made by Henry Poole and the two eulogies are by James's son James. At the top is a coat of arms. The inscription reads:

In memory of Barnardus La Grange Esquire (an American loyalist) who died on the 10th of December 1797 aged 77 years. And of his son James Brasier La Grange, Esquire, who died the 25th of February 1823 aged 62 years.

Vain - pompous marble, vain - the sculptor's art to tell the anguish of a bleeding heart which moans in deep, though silent, secret woe, Fate's dread behest, and Death's afflictive blow; and vain - the language of funereal pride, to speak his praise, whose ashes rest beside; 'reft kindred's sobs, and friendship's hallowed tear best prove the worth to faithful memory dear; thus no proud epitaph records his fame, but sorrow weaves her chaplet round his name.

And of the daughter and sister of the above Mrs Frances Dongan, the widow of Lieut. Col. Edward Vaughan Dongan; (also an American Loyalist) who died on the 17th of April 1831 aged 75 years.

Tis past - tis done - my feelings who can tell? My first, last friend, for ever, now, farewell

James Brasier La Grange was a chief clerk of the Teller of the Exchequer who lived in Marsham Street Westminster.

Further reading

Their wills can be found at The National Archives