Holles Monument - St Peter's Church, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, UK - Stone Church Artefacts on Waymarking.com

Lord Denzil Holles is commemorated on this large memorial. It consists of white marble in 'noble reredos-back architecture' and has the following inscription on the base in Latin and English:

" To eternize the name and honour of Denzil Lord HOLLES baron of Ifield. His birth was equal to his virtues being the second son of John the First Earl of Clare; who by sea and land, at home and abroad, did not more signalise himself in the service of his country, than he was meritoriously distinguished and rewarded by Queen Elizabeth and King James. All that Denzel's wit or courage, probity or industry, presaged in his youth, he made good and exceeded when grown a man. For as his excellent endowments and abilities made him early known to his prince and country, so he could, by his eloquence and valour, intrepidly defend the liberties of the latter, without refusing the obedience that was due to the former. When the rights of the nation were barbarously invaded, by that army which the Parliament levied to secure them, he bore the violence and injustice of his enemies as it became a finished hero; nor could losses, exile, or his hatred to the factious, make him forget the love he owed to England. After the restoration of the monarchy, he was created Baron Ifield, by King Charles the Second, and had the honour of representing him in two extraordinary embassies; the one to Louis, king of France, who no less admired the generosity whereby he maintained so high a character, than be dreaded a virtue he was not able to corrupt by his magnificent presents, which were more princely refused than offered. No part of his reputation was diminished when he went afterward as plenipotentiary to the treaty at Breda. His learning was unaffected, useful, and general; but not to be exceeded by any in the knowledge of the ancient records of the kingdom, and tee distinct powers of the several parts of the administration. So true a friend....'

The monument dates to 1699 and does not stand in its original position. The two weeping putti were originally to the left and right of the pilasters. Lord Holles is depicted in a reclining position wearing a wig and lying on a sarcophagus. Pevsner is to thank for this information as well as the website below.

Approximate Age of Artefact: 1699 Relevant Website: [Web Link]

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Date Logged Log   07/03/2003 elrecke visited it