BURTON PYNSENT: Burton Pynsent has been a chosen subject of some of the local poets, well many prose writers. In 1791 there was published in Bath a quarto volume of about sixty pages, the principal part of which was occupied by “Burton Pynsent: A Poem; inscribed to the Right Hon. Countess Dowager of Chatham.” It was printed in bold type, with ample margin, and was written in a flowery, classic style. It described the place, its associations, and its surroundings; and had many references to the Chathams and members of their family. There were various interesting footnotes, one of which thus refers to the famous urn. “This beautiful urn is the design of that eminent Statuary, Mr. Bacon, to whom we are indebted for that noble monument in his lordship’s memory in Westminster Abbey.” There is also a reference to Burton Pynsent in the volume entitled “Somerset with the Severn Sea: A Poem with Historical and Miscellaneous Notes,” by John Draper. The lines are as follow: “The sun had passed its zenith, when we came, Through elm embower’d fields to that proud height, Forever link’d with Chatham’s glorious name; Where oft his noble spirit would delight, Whene’er, contending for his country’s right. From listening senates he awhile could flee; Exchanging place and power for the sweet sight Of flocks and herds, and children sporting free, With rural peace, pure love, and home society. Here, raised to friendship, still unscath’d doth stand. With emblematic flame aspired to heaven, That noble monument, upon the land private wealth to public virtue given: Though o’er its head the threatening storm hath driven, And Avarice would barter it at will: Long may it be by lightning’s shaft unriven, And patriot conservers guard it still; Memorial of the Men who dwelt on Pynsent’s hill! From that bold steep, far rising the west. The Towers of Taunton dimly meet the sight, Through whose broad vale, with fruitful bounty blest. The gentle Tone glides murmuring with delight: — While underneath the slope of Polden’s height, Far spreading to the south, lies Sedgmoor’s field; Recalling to the mind that fatal fight, Where Valour’s sons, misled, were forced to yield; When Victory stained her crest, and Mercy dropped her shield!”
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.