OLD TOMBSTONE FOR THE HEARTH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 12

OLD TOMBSTONE FOR THE HEARTH.

RECORD OF A FAVOURITE OF CHARLES 11. Workmen repairing old property in Goswell Road, Windsor, on removing a hearthstone, found that it was a tombstone placed face downwards on the earth. The date, 1684, was plainly visible, but in spite of its age the stone is in an excellent state of preservation. A Latin inscription on the stone has been translated as follows : “Within also rests John Powney, who was sent many times to the Supreme Council of this Kingdom by the Borough of Windsor rather through favour of Charles II than through that of the citizens.. Having occupied many posts of distinction, given him by the King, lie was struck down by the sword of a bystander at an early age, and died in his thirty-eighth year in 1684. He had a wife Anna, 'daughter of Robert Southey, of County Denbigh.” John Powney was M.P. for Windsor for many years, but was unseated after an investigation by an election and privileges committee. In 1684 he was killed in a duel at the White Hart Hotel, Windsor. Captain Flower, the victor of the duel, was arrested and executed for the murder of Powney at the command of King Charles 11~ with whom Powney was a great favourite. Powney is believed to have been buried at Old Windsor, and it is thought that the tombstone was stolen from the churchyard and came into the hands of a builder who thought it would make an excellent hearthstone'.