3-008-584 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New monument erected over the grave of John Bunyan in Bunhill-Fields Burial-ground, City-Road, [London], 1862. 'The length of the foundation-stone is 8ft. 6in., and the height 6ft. 2in. On the north side is a carved stone panel, on which Christian is represented as starting on his journey with the burden on his back; while on the south side he is represented as in the act of reaching the cross, the burden falling from his shoulders. On the top of the tomb is a carved stone effigy of Bunyan, in a reclining posture, with book in hand, his head resting on a pillow. At the east end of the memorial is a slab, formed of a portion of the old tomb, on which are engraved the following words: "John Bunyan, Author of 'The Pilgrim's Progress.' Ob. August 31, 1688, AE. 60." The slab at the opposite end records the fact of the erection of the work by public subscription, under the presidency of the Earl of Shaftesbury, May, 1862. The tomb is surrounded by a rich dwarf iron railing. Mr. E. C. Papworth, the designer and sculptor of the Bunyan memorial, has produced a very creditable work, considering the funds at his disposal and the simple character of the work required'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.