The Dirdoe Monument.
Approx 18 ft tall.
Frances Dirdoe, who died at 33 in 1733, standing between her sisters Rebecca and Rachel. She was the youngest of 15 children, and was the last of her family.
Frances Dirdoe d. 1733.
Probably by the Bastards of Blandford.
Perhaps John Bastard I (1687 - 1770).
The Monument has for some obscure reason been attributed to brothers Richard (1736 - 1813) or Francis Lancashire of Bath (fl 1770 - 1829) but stylistically it is much earlier and it cannot be accepted.
For a useful look at Bath Marble Masons see -
https://historyofbath.org/images/documents/PROCEEDINGS%2008%202019-20.pdf
Monument to Henry Dirdoe (1647-1724) in St Mary's Church, Gillingham, Dorset.
By John Bastard of Blandford. Large, with three putto-heads
at the top below a curved pediment. Inscription (translated from Latin): 'Here
lies what is left of Henry Dirdoe, esquire, the last male descendant of his
family, highly respected and long resident in this parish; who took in
marriage, Dorothy, the only daughter and heiress of Roger White, a rich
merchant and gentleman of Sherborne in this county and by her he begat five sons,
Henry, John, Christopher, James and Edward, the last died in infancy, the rest,
apart from John, all bachelors, died before their father without offspring and
are buried near him except John whose remains the City of London received; and
ten daughters, Dorothy, Sarah, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, Catherine, Rebecca, Jane,
Rachel and Frances who suvived him. Departed this life on the 18th May, 1724.
Aged 77. Then his wife succumbed to fate on Oct. 21st 1727, aged 70, and is
also buried here. This memorial tablet was erected by their daughters Mary and
Catherine who their mother had appointed executors of her will. Arms: arms of
Dirdoe of Milton-on-Stour (The Manor House, now "The Old House")
(Argent, a chevron between three cranes/herons sable) (?, not listed in Burke's
General Armory) quartering White (Gules, three crossess bottony in bend
argent).
