[3499] Christ the Consoler, Skelton : Font

Christ the Consoler, Skelton, North Yorkshire, 1871-72.

By William Burges (1827-1881).

For Lady Mary Vyner in memory of her son.

Grade l listed.

 

Font of Tennessee Marble, given by George Frederick Samuel Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon (1827-1909), in memory of his only daughter Mary Sarah who lived for just one year. She was born on 16 July 1857 and died on 3 July 1858.

 

The church was built in memory of Lady Mary Vyner's

youngest son, Frederick. He was travelling in Greece in April 1870 when his party was captured by Brigands. A ransom of £32,000 was demanded, but before the money was delivered Greek soldiers opened fire and four members of the British party were shot. Using either her contribution to the ransom money, or compensation from the Greek Government, Frederick's mother decided to build this church near to her home at Newby Hall as a memorial.

Done