I went to a family get-together in Leicester over the weekend. I hadn't seen most of my family in over fifteen years.
It was good seeing everyone. We all drank a lot and I spoke to my nephew about Minecraft.
I got to Leicester a few hours earlier than the rest of the family so, I took a walk around the surrounding area. I went to the Richard III exhibition and also bought Idlewild's "Captian" for 99p, result!
On my way to Leicester Cathedral I went through a graveyard and came across some amazing gravestones. There was one in particular that grabbed my attention:
"Beneath are deposited the remains of Richard Braginton, Quarter Master Serjeant of the South Devon Militia; who expir'd suddenly in this Town on his march to Nottingham, in the night of the 15th of February 1812 after retiring to rest in perfect health;
Aged 60 years.
He served 40 in the said Regiment, with unabated Zeal, diligence, and Loyalty to his King; and firm attachment to his Country;
While his private conduct was equally commendable.
For Rectitude, Probity and Sobriety; He was esteem'd by his Officers, and beloved by his fellow soldiers.
To perpetuate the remembrance of his worth, This stone was caus'd to be erected By his Colonel Lord ROLLE.
Reader, may this additional Example of the awful uncertainty of Life, prove a warning to thee to prepare for a similar fate by a faithful discharge of the duties of thy station; and by an humble reliance on the merits of thy Redeemer."
The words on this gravestone - particularly the last paragraph - really brought the gathering of my family into perspective.
I loved this gravestone so much, that I've written and dedicated this piece of music to Richard.
I got to Leicester a few hours earlier than the rest of the family so, I took a walk around the surrounding area. I went to the Richard III exhibition and also bought Idlewild's "Captian" for 99p, result!
On my way to Leicester Cathedral I went through a graveyard and came across some amazing gravestones. There was one in particular that grabbed my attention:
"Beneath are deposited the remains of Richard Braginton, Quarter Master Serjeant of the South Devon Militia; who expir'd suddenly in this Town on his march to Nottingham, in the night of the 15th of February 1812 after retiring to rest in perfect health;
Aged 60 years.
He served 40 in the said Regiment, with unabated Zeal, diligence, and Loyalty to his King; and firm attachment to his Country;
While his private conduct was equally commendable.
For Rectitude, Probity and Sobriety; He was esteem'd by his Officers, and beloved by his fellow soldiers.
To perpetuate the remembrance of his worth, This stone was caus'd to be erected By his Colonel Lord ROLLE.
Reader, may this additional Example of the awful uncertainty of Life, prove a warning to thee to prepare for a similar fate by a faithful discharge of the duties of thy station; and by an humble reliance on the merits of thy Redeemer."
The words on this gravestone - particularly the last paragraph - really brought the gathering of my family into perspective.
I loved this gravestone so much, that I've written and dedicated this piece of music to Richard.
No comments:
Post a Comment