Henry Dirdoe monument - St Mary's Church, Gillingham

Image: © Mike Searle Taken: 18 May 2011

This memorial is to Sir Henry Dirdoe and his wife Dorothy. The Latin inscription translates as: '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.'

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