Richard Goddard of Uppham

"Richard Goddard presented the tenor bell to Aldbourne Church. It still

hangs in the tower, and has a most beautiful tone; it weighs 19 cwt. 28 lbs.

There is the following inscription round the rim of the shoulder, which when

read aloud sounds like a chime —

"Intonant de cells vox compane Michaelis. Deus propicius esto alabus

Ricardi Godard quondam de Uppam Elizabeth et Elizabeth uxorum ejus ac

aiabus oim liberorum et parentum suorum qui banc campana fieri facpruiit

anno dni MCCCCCXVI."

In restoring Aldbourne Church, a brass was found in that portion which was

anciently the Goddard Chapel, and under which appear to have been the family

vaults. The brass is now placed in the aisle adjoining, and represents the figure

of an esquire and his wife. The inscription reads: —

"Hie jacet Ritus Goddard quodam de Uppham et

Elizabeth uxor ejs qi q'dm

Ricus obitt die An dni MoCCCCo et

p'dicta Elizabeth Obit.

xiiijo die Julii Anno dni Millio CCCCLXXXJo quor

aiabus ppicietur Ds Amen."

"A 'C appears to have been omitted when engraving this plate. It was

probably laid down by Richard at the time of his first wife's death, when he did not

contemplate a second marriage. Blank spaces were left for the date of his own death, and these were never filled in. Both wives were named Elizabeth. The

first was a daughter of Thomas Walrond, Esq., of Aldbourne, who brought him

four children, the eldest of whom, Thomas, succeeded to the Swindon estate,

and was probably the first who resided at Swindon.

Walter G.Ashworth

GEDCOM Note

2 AGE 6-7 2 AGE 60-61