Matthews Headstone At Churchyard Of St Botolph

The Matthews headstone, dated 1839, is located in the churchyard of St. Botolph in Ratcliffe on the Wreake. Crafted by Woolerton, this slate headstone features an incised border in a Gothic style and is particularly notable for its inscription. It commemorates Samuel Matthews, a labourer who suffered severe injuries from a fall while working on Mr. King's farm and later died in Leicester Infirmary at the age of 60. The inscription reads: "In Memory of Samuel Matthews, Labourer, who had both his legs broke, and one of his ankles dislocated by falling of a load of beans, on Mr. King's farm, at Ratcliffe on the Wreak; and died in Leicester Infirmary, October the 13th, 1839 : Aged 60 years." The stone was erected by his master, Mr. Thomas Freeman, in recognition of Matthews' nine years of dedicated service, with the added phrase, "An honest man's the noblest work of God." The headstone is situated close to the south porch of the Church of St. Botolph.