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by their presence testify to the goodness of Thomas Bond ; and twenty-five others receive a weekly pension by his liberality. He was Mayor of Coventry, 1497.
Dugdale states that the stone had a coat of arms above the brass, viz.: a chevron between three roundells, and three roundells in chief.
BB.
On Bath stone is recorded the death of the Rev. Robert Simpson, a Vicar of this parish—
"Sacred | to the memory of the | Rev. Robert Simson, LL.B., | 53 years vicar of this parish. | He departed this life May 16th, 1846, | aged 83 years. 'The memory of the just is blessed.' | Jane Simson, relict of the said Robert Simson, | died October 20th, 1855, | in the 75th year of her age. | 'Even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. | For He knoweth whereof we are made: | He remembereth that we are but dust.'" |
He succeeded to the Vicarage of this Parish upon the decease of the late Rev. Benjamin Toms, in 1723. He was the grandson of the Rev. Patrick Simson, minister of Vicar Lane Chapel, who was elected 1725, and continued their pastor for 48 years; he died January 7th, 1773, and was buried in Trinity Church. The Rev. Robert Simson appears to have had some connection with nonconformity, and he was instructed in its doctrines at Vicar Lane Chapel. His father, Robert, was admitted a member of that congregation, 1756, when 15 years of age. The style of preaching at the Great Meeting House becoming less orthodox may account for his secession from them. He was buried in the Chancel near to Dr. Mellor, a place being left for Mrs. Simson, but then the law would not allow burials in the Church.
CC.
Beneath the former a brass has been lately placed there—
"To the glory of God,
And in grateful remembrance
of the founders of the Warwickshire
Scripture Reader's Society,
The floor of this lady chapel was
restored by D. Steane, S.R., 1881."
Mr. Steane was appointed Scripture Reader, March, 1865.
