ELIZABETH CLARKE
In the southeast corner of the south transept is a large memorial to Elizabeth Clarke née Lottisham of Chipley Park, who died in 1667, aged 42. The monument was made at Milverton and cost £25. Edward Clarke of Bradford on Tone, a widower with three small children (Ursula, Anne and Edward) married Elizabeth who was the granddaughter and ultimate heiress of Edward Warre of Chipley. She and Edward had no children so she bequeathed Chipley to her stepson Edward, who took over the estate when his father died in 1679.
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| Blest Soul! My sad attendance and these trophies show The dear affection to your worth I owe: Your virtues bid me not approach the urne Unless with groanes and tears your loss I mourne Which griefe in vaine lamenteth; for withstand None can the force of the Almightie's hand The comfort left me is, I trust to view And shortly share eternal joys with you. Edward Clarke Esq; of Chipley who in his in his lifetime erected this monument who is mentioned on the other tablet died the 16th day of September Anno Domi 1679 AETAT Suae 63. |
To the memory of Elizabeth wife of Edward Clarke, of Chipley, esq; eldest daughter and heire of William Lottisham esq; and Mary his wife, who was daughter and coheire of Edward Warre, of Chipley, esq. She dyed the 15th day of march, Ano Domi 1667, aetat suae 42. This happy soul exchang'd by her decease The lands of Warre into the fields of peace, Whither in triumph by her vertues led, Grace hath advanc'd, and glory crown'd her head. As sire and grandsire's heire, she here possest; But knowing knowing heaven's inheritance is best, She parted hence to be a sacrifice, whose ashes fall and spirit in flames doe rise. |