Monument to John Swan in Abney Park Cemetery

The monument to John Swan, who lived from 1787 to 1869, is located in Abney Park Cemetery. It features a white marble pedestal topped with a draped urn, which was noted to be overgrown with ivy during an inspection in 1997. The monument is historically significant due to its inscription, which states that "few men have been greater benefactors to their country than the late John Swan." It highlights his invention of the screw propeller in 1824, as well as the self-acting chain messenger introduced into the navy in 1831, which reportedly saved the nation about £70,000 a year. Admiral Dundas acknowledged that this invention was a significant saving in both money and lives, yet the "ingenious and modest inventor," as described by Dr. Birkbeck, never received any remuneration for his contributions.