Thompson Headstone 25 Metres South of Church of St Mary

The Thompson headstone, located 25 metres south of the Church of St. Mary, is a large sandstone memorial dating from 1795, dedicated to John Thompson and his family. The headstone features a shaped top with a sunk panel that includes relief carvings of an urn flanked by winged angel heads, showcasing good quality lettering.

The front inscription honors John Thompson, who was late of Houghton-le-Side, and was placed there by his wife Margaret as a final token of her gratitude and commemoration. It notes that he passed away on July 30, 1795, at the age of 86. It also commemorates Margaret Thompson, his wife, who died on February 27, 1801, at the age of 63, and reflects her calm resignation to death, trusting in the mercies of her Redeemer for a blessed immortality. Additionally, it preserves the memory of their son, John Thompson, who died on May 17, 1801, at the age of 31 while on an excursion to America for his health.

The reverse side of the headstone features a line representation of two winged angel heads and includes the inscription: "STOP PASSENGER SEE HERE I LIE IF THOU ART OLD PREPARE TO DIE IF THOU ART YOUNG PREPARED BE THIS MOMENT DEATH MAY SEIZE ON THEE." It also remembers Mary Thompson, daughter of John Thompson, who passed away on June 14, 1798, at the age of 20, with a poignant verse reflecting on the fragility of youth and the grief of those left behind.