The memorial plaque is a marble tablet engraved with black lettering. It is mounted on the wall inside St Michael's Church in Marbury. (
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The inscription reads as follows;
'TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN CHURTON
WHO DIED OCTOBER XX11nd MDCCLXV111
(22nd October 1786)
AGED XXXV1.
(aged 36)
ALSO
OF ELIZABETH HIS WIFE
WHO DIED OCTOBER 1st MDCC111
(1st October 1803)
AGED LXX111
(aged 73)
THANKS BE TO GOD WHO GIVETH US THE VICTORY
THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 1st CO.2 XV.ch LV11 vr
THIS TABLET IS PLACED HERE
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBERANCE
OF HIS DECEASED PARENTS
BY JOHN CHURTON RECTOR
OF WHEATHILL IN THE COUNTY OF SALOP'
The quote on the tablet is from the bible - 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15 - Verse 57
A Topographical Dictionary of England. Originally published by S Lewis, London, 1848, describes Wheathill and mentions John Churton.
"WHEATHILL (Holy Trinity), a parish, in the union of Cleobury-Mortimer, hundred of Stottesden, S. division of Salop, 9½ miles (N. E. by E.) from Ludlow; containing 140 inhabitants. This parish, which is on the road from Bridgnorth to Ludlow, comprises 1424 acres. There is a small quarry of excellent freestone. The village was formerly of more importance, and had a weekly market and an annual fair, granted by charter of Edward I., both of which have been long discontinued. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £7. 5. 7½., and in the gift of the Rev. John Churton: the tithes have been commuted for £201, and.the glebe comprises 93 acres. The church was originally in the Norman style, of which many interesting details are remaining, with additions of later date." Source: (
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"In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Wheathill like this:
WHEATHILL, a parish in Cleobury-Mortimer district, Salop; 6½ miles NW by N of Cleobury-Mortimer r. station. Post town, Bridgnorth. Acres, 1,415. Rated property, £960. Pop., 123. Houses, 20. The manor belongs to Viscount Boyne. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Hereford. Value, £277.* Patron, the Rev. B. Churton. The church is good." Source: (
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