Cecilia Cantrell

 Cecilia Cantrell

Cecilia was the daughter of the Rev. Henry Foster Mills, Chancellor of York Minster and grand daughter of the Most Rev Dr Markham, Archbishop of York.

In 1840 she married Joseph Thomas Cantrell who came from an ancient Derbyshire family seated at Kings Newton for 500 years. Joseph was training to be a barrister at Lincoln's Inn, London when Cecilia had a daughter, Cecilia Elizabeth, in 1841. Very sadly Cecilia died the same day, aged 33.

The memorial is a touching remembrance by her obviously loving husband.

“Amiable, benevolent, talented, and accomplished; possessing warm affections, a lively disposition, and a calm temper completely under the control of her judgement; a true Christian in every act and expression; she was happy in herself, and made all about her happy. Living she was fondly lover, and in death is deeply deplored.”

There is also a memorial tile on the isle floor of the Cantrell Chapel (now the Lady Chapel).