Stoke Poges, the Scene of Gray’s Elegy

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Artist/Makerafter Albert Henry Payne (British, 1812 - 1902)

Datec. 1845

MediumEngraving

DimensionsComposition: 4 × 6 in. (10.2 × 15.2 cm) Sheet: 7 1/2 × 11 5/8 in. (19.1 × 29.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of Katharine Brigham Callanen in memory of her husband Gardner A. Callanen, Class of 1929

Object number1995.17

Not on view

DescriptionThe church of St. Giles, consisting of a chancel and nave, was probably built shortly before it was given to the Priory of St. Mary Overy, in Southwark early in the 12th century; the tower and south aisle were built about 1225, when the chancel was lengthened, and the north aisle was added in the last half of the same century. In the early part of the 14th century the timber south porch was built, and in the 15th century a vestry, since destroyed, was added north of the chancel, while the Hastings chapel was built about 1560. The church has been extensively restored and a new vestry was added in 1907. The church has historic links with the poet Thomas Gray, who wrote his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard whilst visiting his aunt Mary Antrobus, who lived in the village. He apparently wrote it sitting under the yew tree opposite the S.W. door. His tomb is in the churchyard close to the church and his memorial stands in the adjacent meadow. (SOURCE: Aylesbury Museum, Exhibition of Prints, 2016).

Additional Details

Provenance 1995: Hamilton College (Fred L. Emerson Gallery), by gift of Katharine Brigham Callanen.

Signature Signed in typeset at lower left: J.W. Archer pinxt.; in typeset at lower right: A.H. Payne, sc.

Inscribed Signed in typeset at lower left: J.W. Archer pinxt.; in typeset at lower right: A.H. Payne, sc.; entitled in typeset at lower center: Stokel Pogis. / THE SCENE OF GRAY'S ELEGY.; inscribed in typeset at lower center: London, Bram & Payne, 12, Paternoster Row.; in pencil at lower left: Yc