The memorial to John Whitfield can be seen behind glass, inside the tower of St Mary Magdalen church in Burgate Street. It is in Latin, and includes references to his bequest of two fire engines to Canterbury parishes and to money left to support Canterbury apprentices. His will, which can be seen in Canterbury Cathedral Archives, includes reference to the “Fyre Engine which I invented”.
CHAS is grateful to Dr David Shaw BA PhD D Litt for his translation of the memorial – press the Download PDF button below to read the translation, read the original text, and see an image of the memorial.
WHITFEILD-memorial-translation
KEYWORDS: Canterbury John Whitfield fire engine apprentices