Spofforth/Follifoot/Sowerby/Sessay Monumental Inscriptions

Spofforth Churchyard

• “Here lie the bodys of John Frances Hodgson of Spofforth Haset John Hodgson who died the ? of June 1757 aged 49 years Frances Hodgson ??? who died the 13th of ???” (can’t make out the rest).
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Mary wife of Thomas Wheelhouse of Linton Hills who departed this life January 12th 1851 aged 62 years, also Thomas Wheelhouse husband of the above who departed this life March 5th 1870 aged 89 years.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Richard the dearly beloved son of Thomas and Mary Weelhouse Linton Hills who died on the 26th of June 1841 aged 17 years and 8 months.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Hannah Weelhouse wife of Robert Wheelhouse of Linton who died October 28 1815 aged 70 years. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord for they rest from their labours and their works follow them.”
  
  
• “In affectionate remembrance of the late William Wheelhouse of Linton on Wharfe who departed this life June 20th 1877 aged 66 years. Thou’st pass’d from a world of pain and care, and the rest thou hast sought is now thy share, Thou art free from the weariness (?) toil and strife, that strew with thorns the path of life, thou art free thou art free ??? (end illegible)... Also Hannah Wheelhouse wife of the above who died Feb 20th (?) 1882 (?) To gather home his own God shall his angel send and bid our ??? ... in death ??? ... Also Mary Wheelhouse wife of the above who died November ?? 1878 (?) aged 75 (?) years.” (several illegible bits!)
  
  
• “In memory of Iohn Wheelhouse ... who died ... who han... died De... aged 74. O Lord we give our spirits ... them in thy Hand ... our flesh a while will rest and rise at thy command.” (annoyingly, the dates are illegible!)
  
  
• “To the memory of Elizabeth the wife of William Wheelhouse of Linton who died the 7th of August 1781 aged 27 years. Let no sepulchral linifi eziel my name, Nor raile a virtue of pollen, In only Jesus through thy mine, That wearied sinner lind remallach. (last four lines of quoted text just about illegible - best guess!). Also William Wheelhouse of Linton who departed this life July the 12th 1811 aged 75 years. Also Charles the son of the above William Wheelhouse of Linton who departed this life March the 24th 1817 aged 28 years.“ (large, worn slab in front of door of Church)
  
  
• “In loving memory of Joseph Edwin son of Charles and Mary Metcalfe of Spofforth died Janry. 5th 1892 aged 5 months”
  
  
• “In affectionate remembrance of James Metcalfe of Spofforth who died Octbr. 31st 1893 aged 83 years. We bring our years to an end as it were a tale that is told.”
  
  
• “Sweet memories of Sarah dearly loved wife of George Deighton of Harrogate passed on Sept 16th 1930 aged 78 years. Also the above George Deighton passed on Feby 9th 1938 aged 81 years.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Mary beloved wife of John Smith, Daisy Bank Horbury (?), died Oct 2nd 1927 aged 66 years. Also John Smith, husband of the above, died March 4th 1946 aged 78 years. At peace.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Jeanie Helen Smith died 11th February 1975 aged 57 years. Also Joseph Winston Smith died 2nd June 1988 aged 73 years.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of a dear husband Charles Deighton Harrison late of Ribston. Died March 11th 1960. Also Lily beloved wife of the above died May 30th 1986.” (also one line inscription at bottom of stone, covered by grass)
  
  
• “In memory of Joseph Deighton of Spofforth who departed this life March 6th 1868 aged 40 years. Also Joseph son of the above who died November 15th 1867 aged 6 months. Also Mary daughter of the above who died February 2nd 1868 aged 3 years and 6 months. Also Ellen daughter of the above who died October 24th 1885 aged 23 years. We all do fade as a leaf.”
  
  
• “In memory of Henry Dobson of Spofforth who died Feby 18th 1842 aged 69 years. Also Elizabeth wife of the above who died Jany 8th 1843/5 (?) aged 60 years.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Mary wife of John Smith of Spofforth who died August 21st 1819 aged 36 years. Also Mary daughter of the above who died February 17th 1821 aged 6 years. Also George son of the above who died May 7th 1836 aged ?? years. Also William son of the above who died October 17th 1844 aged 26 years.” (George aged 23 possibly, very badly worn in that bit)
  
  
• Blind Jack (John Metcalf) of Knaresborough’s grave stone : “Here lies John Metcalf, one whose infant sight Felt the dark pressure of an endless night; Yet such the fervour of his dauntless mind, His limbs full strength, his spirit unconfin’d, That long ere yet life’s bolder years began, His sightless efforts mark’d th’ aspiring man, Nor mark’d in vain - high deeds his manhood dar’d, And commerce, travel, both his ardour shar’d, ’Twashis, a guide’s unerring aid to lend; O’er trackless wastes to bid new roads extend; And when Rebellion rear’d her giant size, ’Twas his to burn with patriot enterprise - For parting wife and babes one pang to feel, Then welcome danger for his country’s weal. Reader! like him, exert thy utmost talent given; Reader! like him, adore the bounteous Hand of Heaven! He died on the 26th April 1840 in the 93rd year of his age.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Thomas Smith grocer and ironmonger of Wetherby, who departed this life on the 23rd of February, 1832 aged 62 years. Also Esther wife of the above, who departed this life at Hull, on the 25th of August, 1856 aged 82 years.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Barnabas Wheelhouse, who departed this life March 7th 1837 aged 69 years. Praises on tombs are smfles yamly (??) spent, A man’s good name is his best monument.”
  
  
• “In memory of George Wheelhouse of Wetherby, who departed this life September 18th 1831 (??) aged 40 years. Go home dear friends and weep no more, I shall sleep here till Christ appear, And at his coming I hope to rise, And meet my Saviour in the skies.”
  
  
• “In memory of Ellen, daughter of William and Mary Deighton of Spofforth, who departed this life Feb. 11th 1834; aged 3 years and 11 months. Also Jane daughter of the above who died September 28th 1847 aged 5 years.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of William Deighton of Spofforth who departed this life December 20th 1862 aged 61 years. Also Harriet daughter of the above who departed this life October 24th 1866 aged 26 years. Also her twin sister Emma who departed this life October 27th 1866 aged 26 years. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their death they were not divided. 2 Sam. 1st Chap. 23rd Ver. Also Mary wife of the above who died January 9th 1877 aged 76 years. Most dearly beloved, Now freed from all sorrow and pain, By death from our circle removed, ... again.” (last line covered in grass, but appears to be legible)
  
  
• “In memory of Ann the wife of Thomas Smith of Wetherby who departed this life April the 4th 1796. In the 27th year of her age. Also Thomas the son of the above, died in his infancy. Also of Thomas Smith husband of the above who departed this life ... ???” (rest illegible)
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Margaret Deighton of Follifoot who died November 23rd 1844 aged 56 years. Also of John Deighton, brother of the above who died November 2nd 1845 aged 74 (?) years. Also of Thomas Deighton, brother of the above who died November 1st ???? aged 68 years. May they rest ???” (rest illegible)
  
  
• “In Memory. Mary daughter of William & Elizabeth Smith of Ribston who departed this life June 19th 1838 aged 23 years. Why do we mourn departing friends, Or cliake at ???, Tis bid the voice that Jesus sends, To call me to his arms. Also of the above William Smith, who departed this life May 10th, 1856 aged 74 years. Also of Elizabeth, wife of the above William Smith, who departed this life November 29th 1855, aged 69 years.”
  
  
• “In affectionate remembrance of James Smith of Ribston, who departed this life November 28th, 1871, aged 60 years. Behold now I sleep in the dust, and if in the morning thou shall seek me II shall not be. Also of James Smith, grandson of the above, who departed this life January 6th, 1867, aged 1 year and 3 months.”
  
  
• “In memory of William Smith of Wetherby, who departed this life ?? day of February 1899 in the ?? year of his age. Fare well ..., My life ..., Thy ..., All ..., What ..., ... my errors ???. Also lies the remains of Elizabeth ??? wife of James Frede (?) and daughter of William and Ann Smith of Wetherby who departed this life the 9th day of ??? ... year ... Sleep on ..., Them is ..., ???. Also Ann Smith, wife of William Smith of Wetherby, who died the 5th of Jan 181?, aged 75 years.” (very faded and difficult to read, large horizontal slab)
  
  
• “In memory of Edward Deighton of Spofforth, who died November 1st 1821, aged 34 years. Also Martha wife of the above, who died January 23rd 1832, aged 47 years. Also Harriot daughter of the above who died in her infancy. Also Mary daughter of the above who died at Birkenhead August 26th 1871 aged 53 years.”
  
  
• “In memory of John Rainforth father of Mary Pullein of Spofforth who died January the 9th 1805 in the 84th year of his age.”
  
  
• “In memory of Jane Smith of this place who departed this life November the 7th 1811 aged 94 years. Also of Joshua husband of the above Jane Smith who departed this life June the 15th 1817 aged 95 years.”
  
  
• “In memory of William Pullein of Spofforth, who died April 30th 1848 aged 74 years.”; “In memory of Joseph Pullein of Aketon who died March 28th 1849 aged 67 years. Also of Joseph, son of the above Joseph Pullein, who died an infant Novr. 20th 1829. Also Sarah wife of the above named Joseph Pullein who died June 25th 1864 aged 75 years.”; “In memory of James Pullein of Boston who died July 20th 1850 aged 71 years.” (three stones together, over two photos)
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Ann Wheelhouse, wife of William Wheelhouse of Wetherby and daughter of William and Mary Pullein of Spofforth, she departed this life August 12th 1871 in the 83rd year of her age.”
  
  
• “In affectionate remembrance of Charles Deighton of Spofforth who died December 9th 1877, aged 77 years. Also Margaret wife of the above who died January 20th 1888 (?) aged 75 years.”
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of John Smith of Plompton who departed this life June 1st 1832 aged 58 years. Fret not dear friends at my decease; I hope with Christ, I’ve made my peace.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Mary Ann, wife of William Smith of Spofforth, who died June 27th 1898, aged 75 years. Also of the above William Smith, died Sept. 23rd 1914, aged 90 years.” (stone leaning over badly)
  
  
• “In loving memory of John Smith the much respected clerk and sexton of this church for nearly 40 years. Died July 1st 1900 aged 82 years. Also Eliza wife of the above died Sept. 14th 1853 aged 27 years. Also William son of the above died Octbr. 29th 1869 aged 21 years. Also Jonathan son of the above died March 28th 1874 aged 23 years. Also Charles Arthur and John children of the above who died in their infancy. Also Ann second wife of the above John Smith died Sept. 10th 1898 aged 81 years.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Charles F Smith, died April 9th 1914, aged 68 years. Also Alice, wife of the above, died March 12th 1883, aged 32 years. At rest. Also Louisa Smith, wife of the above who died Nov. 19th 1941, in her 87th year. Also Melinda, daughter of the above died Nov. 1st 1971, aged 89 years. And her daughter Betty, died Oct. 31st 2001, aged 78 years.”
  
  
• “In ever loving memory of Tom Smith, dear husband of Kate Smith, passed away Oct 4 1943 in his 67th year. At rest. Also the above named Kate Smith, passed away March 4 1963 in her 85th year.”
  
  
• “In memory of Mary Deighton, wife of Thomas Deighton of Spofforth, and daughter of Thomas and Sarah Gibbon of Thorparch, who departed this life March 8th 1839 aged 44 years. Also Harriet daughter of Thomas and Mary Deighton who died December 13th 1841 aged 9 years. Also Thomas Deighton who died March 18th 1868 aged 76 years. His end was peace.”
  
  
• “In affectionate remembrance of Ann, wife of William Deighton, White Horse Inn, Spofforth, who died July 25th 1877, aged 53 years. Also John Cass of St. Helens, Ribston, born May 9th 1886 (?), died May 17th 1898.”
  
  
• “To the dear memory of Francis William Smith, M.D., who died at Assynt, Harrogate, April 3rd (?) 1907 in his 82nd (?) year. They rest from their labours. Also of Clara, his wife, who died March 31st 1935, in her 82nd year.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Mary, beloved wife of John Smith Daisy Bank Ribston, died Oct. 2nd 1927 aged 66 years. Also John Smith, husband of the above died March 4th 1946 aged 78 years. At peace.”
  
  
• “Here lieth the body of Elisabeth the wife of Peter Deighton and daughter of Iohn & Jane Elsworth of this town who died June 24th 1793 in the 24th year of her age. Farewell my friends and children dear, I am not dead but sleepeth here. As I am now so must you be, therefore prepare to follow me. Also Jane Thompson sister to the above Elisabeth Deighton who died Septr 13th 1793 aged 29 years. When almost 30 years did she resign her breath, and left her children to lament her death.”

Follifoot Churchyard

(Follifoot Garden of Rest)

• “A History of St. Joseph & St. James Church, Follifoot” by Janette Butler - notes on poster in church entrance porch.
  
  
• “Sacred to the memory of Thomas Smith of Follifoot who died January 15th 1860 aged 54 years. Also Ann wife of the above who died July 20th 1879 aged 72 years.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of Herbert W Metcalfe died 14-12-1943, aged 69 . Myrrha died 24-1-1952, aged 73 . Vera died 7-4-1933, aged 25 . Ella 5-8-1998 . William Sydney 12-7-2001 . Leonora Mary 3-10-2001”
  
  
• “Loving memories of Alfred John Smith a dear husband dad and grandad died 7th September 1995 aged 74 years”
  
  
• Slab on floor in “Garden of Remembrance” area has lots of names on it, including “Charles Pullan 1908-1978” and “Barbara Mary Pullan 1939-1981” Other slabs on wall by include “Maud Emma Pullan 1908-2003” and “Derek Pullan 1959-2003/4” (last digit behind plant on photo!)
  
  
• “... William Smith of Follifoot who died August 15th 1885, aged 77 years. Also of Ann, wife of the above, who died August 18th 1880/6, aged 70 years. Also Francis Lazenby, of Follifoot, who died February 15th 1892, aged 67 years. Also Mary Ann Lazenby, who died May 23rd 1917, aged 88 years. Also John Lazenby, who died May 6th 1940, aged 88 years.” (Ivy covering last digit of Ann’s death year - go back and check)
  
  
• “In memory of Lizzie, daughter of John and Susanna Wright of Follifoot who died March 1st 1871, aged 6 years and 4 months. Also Annie, daughter of the above who died March 1st 1871, aged 4 years and 10 months. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided. Also of the above named Susanna Atkinson Wright who died March 3rd 1904 aged 73 years. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. St. Matt. 5.8. Also of John Paylor Wright who died May 7th 1905, aged 80 years. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Rev. ?” (missed very bottom)

Sowerby Churchyard

(Sowerby Church Tower)

• “To the memory of Thomas Richardson of Sowerby who died 30th September 1845 aged 68 years. Also of Margaret Richardson his relict who died 23rd January 1??? aged 85 years. Also Elizabeth Ann Richardson who died 19th May 1??? aged 67 years. Also Margaret Richardson who died May 30th (?) aged ?? years.” (very dirty and moss-covered - could read it if spent some time cleaning it first?)
  
  
• “To the memory of Rebecca Richardson, wife of John Richardson, who died 19th December 1858 aged 29 years. John Richardson, solicitor, Thirsk, who died 23rd December 1893 aged 74 years.” (similar to (15) but not as dirty)
  
  
• “In loving remembrance of Eliza Thompson died Dec 2nd 1919, aged 42. Also Mary Ann Thompson died Dec 10th 1905, aged 35. Also John Thompson died March 18th 1883, aged 16. Beloved children of Pearson & Mary Ann Thompson of Sowerby. Peace perfect peace.”
  
  
• “In loving memory of John S Richardson, died July 29th 1930, aged 77 years.” (nice Celtic cross)
  
  
• “In ever loving memory of Maria the dearly beloved wife of William Metcalfe, late of Sowerby, who died at Masham, December 25th 1903, aged 59 years. She hath done what she could.”

Sessay Churchyard

(Sessay Churchyard)

• “Inscribed to the memory of Margaret the wife of William Metcalfe of Sessay Park, who died September 1st 1810 Æ 60. Also Elizabeth daughter of the above named William and Margaret Metcalfe, who died September 16th 1794 Æ 16. Also Elizabeth, mother of the said William Metcalfe, who died February 28th 1795 Æ 89. Think! Mortal, what it is to die.”
  

• Stepping Stones - mail order (+ some online) census returns and other info. on CD-ROM
• Family Search - The LDS (Mormon) IGI and 1881 census online (free!)
• 1901 census - the government's online pay-per-view system