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Dr M M Gilchrist

2019 photo (photo by M M Gilchrist)

Memorials

Wall Tablet - John Appleyard, Frank Appleyard, Elizabeth Appleyard

Common name(s): Appleyard Family Memorial
Catalogue ID: 97
NADFAS ID: 1104

Description

Neo-Classical bas relief entitled 'Filial Affection', by Thomas Earle in memory of his wife's parents, Frank and Elizabeth Appleyard, and her uncle John (Frank's older brother), buried in Castle Street burial ground. The Appleyards and Earles had worked together for many years on building projects, notably under the Mountain family of architects. Like the Earles, they were also active Freemasons: Frank being Commander in 1812 and 1818, and First Principal in 1818-20, 1822 and 1835.

A weeping woman kneels before an altar festooned with foliage and flowers. Against the hassock rests a scroll and dividers and Frank Appleyard's Past Master's plate jewel, with the Masonic motto 'Virtute et Silentio' on the ribbon. At the top centre is the All-seeing Eye with divergent rays. In the centre is an old fashioned level with a central plumb-bob. To one side is a folded two foot rule. Below, a parchment scroll displays the 47th Proof of Euclid (showing he is a past Master), flanked by a spade and a mallet. The inscription is incised in Roman Caps. on the plinth. White marble against background of black marble resting on white marble plinth on stone base.

Inscription and donor(s)

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN APPLEYARD, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE, OCTER. 24TH. 1828
IN THE 61ST. YEAR, OF HIS AGE.
ALSO FRANK APPLEYARD
WHO DIED JUNE THE 15TH. 1850, AGED 66 YEARS
THEY WERE BUILDERS IN THIS TOWN, NATIVES OF SELBY, THEIR
REMAINS ARE INTERRED IN CASTLE STREET BURIAL GROUND.

ALSO OF
ELIZABETH, WIFE OF THE ABOVE NAMED FRANK APPLEYARD,
WHO DIED MAY 30TH. 1867, AGED 85 YEARS.

THIS MEMENTO OF AFFECTION WAS ERECTED BY MARY EARLE, THE ELDEST
DAUGHTER OF FRANK APPLEYARD.

Donor
Mary Earle (née Appleyard; daughter of Frank & Elizabeth Appleyard).

Subjects

Forename(s) Family name Dates
John Appleyard 1828
Frank Appleyard 1850
Elizabeth Appleyard (née Clark) 1867

Physical attributes & manufacture

Date of manufacture
c 1850
Designer
Thomas Earle
Executer
Thomas Earle
Dimension Value Notes
Height 2610mm Plinth
Width 1180mm Plinth
Depth 200mm Plinth
Height 350mm
Width 300mm
Depth 200mm

Location

Choir Aisle N. wall N.

Condition

2020
  1. Sandstone plinth is very badly decayed due to poor material and the presence of the heating pipe which has been crudely inserted (and metal sleeved) through the centre of the stone, possibly affecting the stability of the upper elements;
  2. Rust-jacking of fixings between the top of the inscription panel and the figure plinth has caused a gap c. 12-15mm on the left, 5-7mm on the right;
  3. Slate backing surround is disrupted;
  4. Marble elements are dirty and stained by finger grease, etc.

Conservation Suggestions:

  1. Provisionally take down and re-build on a new base plinth, possibly of carboniferous limestone or granite to match adjacent monuments (which is better able to resist the moisture in the floor/wall and the thermal movement caused by the heating pipes); great care will be needed to move the top elements, including carved figures, to enable the base to be replaced and rusting fixings removed;
  2. Clean and re-polish using dry conservation techniques;

References

NADFAS (1986); Andy Gomersall, Condition Report (2020)

Images

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