Here's a bit of Battersea history.
Ever wondered who Bolingbroke or St John was? Some mistakenly assume Henry Bolingbroke, crowned Henry IV (the usurper who deposed Richard II in the C14) and the St John could be assumed to be one of the 4 Evangelists or the Cambridge college.
Actually Henry St John, Viscount Bolingbroke was Lord of the Manor of Battersea and Wandsworth in the late Stuart and early Georgian period, baptised and buried in St Mary's (see pic). As a statesman he fell out of favour for opposing the Hanoverian accession of George I, fleeing the country and settling in France.
Upon being pardoned, he returned to the country. His political career is controversial, but not his legacy. His political philosophy and essays went on to influence the French philosopher Voltaire (who by the way lived for a time in Wandsworth) and later on the future US presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, crucially contributing to the American republican project.
His funerary monument (see pic), shows an arch surmounted by his coat of arms. Beneath this is a double funerary urn partially revealed from a drawn curtain. In the lower section is a shield with two epitaphs. These are dedicated to Henry and his wife Mary Clara, who's profiles can be seen in carved high reliefs either side.
This is one of a number of beautiful monuments in St Mary's.
If you are interested in Battersea's rich history and heritage, join one of my heritage walks.
This Sat 4 Dec Beating Battersea's Bounds - A Heritage Walk @ 1400: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/192998241937 starting in Battersea Square ending at the Battersea Power Station with a visit to St Mary's, Battersea's original parish church
Sat 23 Jan 2022 @ 1100 Victorian Battersea Heritage Walk: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/210101137157 starting at BACS ending in Northcote Road
Walks scheduled every 3 or 4 week. Private tours for families and groups. Family friendly options & history for children! Gallery, museum and Tower of London visits. For more info: www.chrisvanhaydentours.uk
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