In the north choir aisle of Westminster Abbey is a memorial to Dr John Plenderleath. It consists of a white marble monument with a grey pyramid background showing a medallion portrait of John, below which is shown the staff of Esculapius. On a book stands the cup of Hygeia, with a drooping branch of cypress. The sculptor was John Bacon junior. The inscription reads:
In memory of Dr John Plenderleath (third son of John Plenderleath, Esqr. of Glen in Twedale, Scotland), physician to the forces, serving under the Marquis of Wellington in Portugal, who died at Coimbra of a typhus fever on the 18th of June 1811, aged 28 years. He was eminently distinguished by the strength of his mental faculties, his great classical and professional knowledge: and no less so by the humanity of his heart which manifested itself on all occasions: and especially towards the numerous sick and wounded, both of his countrymen and of the enemy which were committed to his care. In commemoration of his public virtues and of his many amiable qualities in private life, this monument is erected as a small tribute of parental affection.
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster