Richard Temple, Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (myself) died at Stowe at about a quarter before eight o’clock on Thursday morning, the 17 January 1839. I was not buried but interred in my tomb at the Columbarium at Wotton.

The following lament was written by W. Cheddington (can anyone identify Cheddington?):

On the lamented decease of His Grace The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos

“Quis desiderio sit pudor, aut modus tam chari capitis”

Gone is a Spirit from the lower world,
Deeply imbued with every classic lore;
For, where fair Science its bright gems unfurled,
There was he found, esurient of its stone.
Alas, the noblest first are grave-ward hurl’d,
Leaving us meaner mortals to deplore
Their flitting hence,—Chandos & Buckingham’s no more.

Gone is a spirit which his Country loved,
Its Laws, its Liberties, its ancient Throne!
Dear was his presence wheresoe’er he moved,
For his the heart to list to Pity’s groan.
The generous past he ever most approved.
In most shades his gentle Virtues shone,
And in proud Courts & Senates, Temple’s power was known.

Weep, science! weep ye many classic Arts!
Weep, Princely Stowe, thy Master no more!
Deep-musing Charity in Sorrow starts,
And learns his loss most keenly to deplore.
His many virtues live in grateful hearts,
And his pure fame unbleach’d by deeds of gore,
Shall live unfading, Peace in they immortal store.

Weep we the dead, the husband & the Sire,
Not long surviving her, whose heart enshrined
All that the gentlest graces can admire
Of Piety’s most cultural, active mind.
Mourn we the honor’d Dead on sorrow’s lyre,
Then seek the living, & this comfort find,
Chandos succeeds; the Patriot, Generous, True & Kind

W. Cheddington