The Hardinge Chapel is in the South Transept. It is screened off by wood panelled walls and now forms a Vestry which is usually locked. This is unfortunate as it contains some of the best memorials in Melbourne Church.
The Hardinge's were an ancient family from Kings Newton, one mile to the North of Melbourne. They lived at Kings Newton Hall from at least the 16th century until 1729.
Against the east wall of the transept are 3 beautiful alabaster
slabs, memorials to members of the Hardinge family.
The first is in memory of Henrie Hardie who died in 1613, and his wife Elizabeth.
"Here lie the bodies of Henrie Hardie and Elizabeth, his wife, which died without issue, the Eighth day of December, 1613. He gave to the poor of this parish £... yearely for ever."
I have not seen this memorial slab so I do not know if it is still in the Chapel (Vestry).
The next is to Sir Robert Hardinge, who was born at Kings Newton Hall in 1621. He became a Master in Chancery and raised a Troop of Horse for King Charles I during the Civil War and entertained Charles II at Kings Newton Hall. He was knighted in 1674 and died on the 20th November 1679.
Written on the slab is:
"PER IESVM CHRISTVM MISERERE MEI (DEVS) ORO"
Through Jesus Christ, have mercy on me (God) I pray.
The third is for Anne Springell (or Spigurnell), his wife, who died 19 July, 1673.
Written on the slab is:
"(SPIRITVS OMNIPOTENS) REDDE ANIMAMO MIHI"
Almighty Spirit, restore my soul
I have seen the second 2 alabaster memorials. They are stunning but are half buried in stored items at the moment.
There does seem to be a badly worn, alabaster memorial on the floor of the Chapel but it is mostly covered with spare furniture, etc.
There is also another large stone memorial slab set into the floor of the Chapel. This is to Mary Pasteur, daughter of John and Elizabeth Pasteur, who was born in 1757 and sadly died in 1767 at the age of 10. John was the original John Lewis Pasteur who came back to Melbourne with George Lewis Coke after his European Grand Tour. (see John & Anna Pasteur).
Unfortunately it is almost buried under a variety of items.
The flagstone slab reads:
"In memory of Mary Pasteur, daughter of Mr. John and Mrs. Elizabeth Pasteur. She departed this life, 25th day of Auguste, 1767." On the south wall, beneath an arched recess, is
a figure carved in stone of a knight in armour, lying, arms on his chest, in prayer. He is wearing a jewelled band round his close fitting cap of mail and carrying a shield with the arms of Melbourne, recognised by the scallop shells on it. The
date has been estimated at about 1260 which makes it, by far, the oldest memorial in Melbourne Church, although we do not know who it represents.
Also in the Chapel (Vestry) is a large slab of stone, of
the 13th century, with a fine cross decorated with floral design in high relief.
