Sir Henry Arthur Hunt and family

In the south aisle of St Margaret's church Westminster are three tablets to Sir Henry Arthur Hunt and members of his family. That to Sir Henry is a brass tablet within a floriated border and the inscription reads:

To the Glory of God and in memory of Sir Henry Arthur Hunt C.B. 1810-1889. Eliza Susannah nee Bennett his wife 1810-1891. George Pownall 1808-1893. Harriet Alice nee Pett his wife 1814-1879.
This window is erected by their children Henry Arthur Hunt, Alice Eliza nee Pownall his wife 1894. Dear honoured lost to us your children, this fair memorial of their love & praise, for neath life's darkening skies their feet may roam, bright high above them gleams the star of home. F.W.Farrar.
Also to the memory of Mary Pownall Hunt, only child of the above, born May 1863 fell asleep August 1865. Her soul pleased the Lord, therefore hasted he to take her from among the children of men.

The window referred to, by Edward Frampton, was destroyed by blast in the Second World War. It featured St Margaret with King David and King Solomon. Frederic William Farrar was Rector of the church at this time and composed the verse.

Sir Henry was born in 1810, a son of James Hunt, and was Consulting Surveyor to Her Majesty's Office of Works. His firm of Hunt, Stephenson and Jones, was in Parliament Street. For many years he was Rector's Warden at the church. From 1854-1887 he was Auditor to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. He had three sons and four daughters.

His son Henry Arthur Hunt, born 20th July 1836, has a similar tablet and that inscription reads:

In affectionate memory of Henry Arthur Hunt Born 20th July 1836 Died 26th September 1904. The great east window of this church was re-leaded and the east wall panelled with oak in grateful recognition of his faithful service rendered to the church and parish of St Margaret Westminster in the office of Churchwarden during 21 years 1881-1904.

He was educated at Westminster School and then worked for the firm of Thomas Cubitt, builder, and for architect Philip Hardwick. Then he moved to his father's office. He was Surveyor to Lord Cadogan, Governor of the Grey Coat School and trustee of several Westminster charities. He succeeded his father in the office of Auditor and served until his death. In 1862 he married Alice daughter of George and Harriet Pownall. His second wife was Alice Elliott. He died in Penzance and his funeral was held at the church. His grave is in Kensal Green cemetery.

The rectangular mosaic tablet to Alice, in shades of green, grey and white with a frame of beige marble reads:

In loving memory of Alice Eliza wife of Henry Arthur Hunt who entered into her rest the 7th day of March 1894.

Location

St Margaret's Church

Memorial Type

Tablet

Sir Henry Arthur Hunt and family
Sir Henry Arthur Hunt

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster