Reference
AU10/67/8
Title
Description of Richard Nicolls' monument in Ampthill church noting that the cannon ball which killed him is let into the stone above the inscription which reads in Latin, translated as follows: "Joined now in the tomb to the best of parents, always most closely joined to them by filial affection, here lies Richard Nicolls, the son of Francis, by his marriage with Margaret Bruce. From his cradle he was intimate with the most illustrious James, Duke of York. In the year 1643, having left the Camp of the Muses, he led a troop of cavalry against the rebels, then being a calm and active youth. In the year 1664, being already mature in age and military science, he was sent into North America with a command. He restored the well-known Long Island and other islands to their true master, the Dutch being driven out, and the ensign of his lord adorned a province and strongholds well fortified. For three years he ruled as Governor. He was famous in learning, in war, at Court, as a ruler, in letters, in virtue, in openness of mind, and in prudence. Everywhere he was dear to the good, the master of himself and of all he undertook. On the 28th. of May, 1672, fighting bravely on the flagship against the same Dutch, he was pierced by the stroke of a cannon ball, and fell. Besides William, who died an untimely death, he had brothers, Edward and Francis, both Captains of Infantry, who, impatient of the vile and servile tyranny, which then had oppressed England, preferring an exile (if, indeed, to follow a banished King is exile), the one at Paris, the other at the Hague, migrated in company to their Heavenly fatherland".
Date free text
typed C20
Production date
From: 1624 To: 1966
Level of description
item