Why does Captain John and Mary Ann Wimble’s grave feature ships? It’s a fitting tribute to a life spent at sea. Captain John Wimble’s story is etched in stone right here. He was born in 1797 in Maidstone Kent.
At the young age of 12 John boarded a ship. The sea became his home. By 26 he was captain of an extra ship for the East India Company. He transported goods between India and England. These included dye silk cotton tea and opium. A captain of an extra ship had to be at least 23 years old. Also he needed three return voyages to India.
During his 34-year career Captain Wimble sailed many ships. Voyages could last over a year. His wife Mary Ann often joined him. She shared his adventures. He didn’t believe the superstition about women bringing bad luck.
In 1819 John retired. He and Franklin Allport started a ship and insurance business. By 1851 John lived in Maidstone Cottage with Mary Ann and two servants. John died in July 1851 from heart disease. He was 54.
Now look closely at Captain John and Mary Ann Wimble’s grave. His will requested a plain burial. Mary Ann decided to create a unique memorial instead. She was a self-willed woman.
The epitaph honors Wimble’s profession. It reads thirty four years of whose eventful life was passed on the seas. It also mentions Mary Ann who shared his perils. She died in Exeter in 1886 aged 94.
Notice the sailing ship hull on top. Sadly the masts and rigging are gone. The base has a ship’s rope molding. Three sides show bas-reliefs of his ships.
The south side shows the Florentia in stormy weather off South Africa. It is dated June 24 1825. This was Wimble’s first command. The west side depicts the London. It is in heavy seas with a broken mast off Gangam. The date is October 1832. Gangam is likely Ganjam a coastal district of Orissa in India.
The east side features the Maidstone. This three-masted ship sails calmly. Her topsails are furled. It is dated June 24 1840. Wimble captained this ship around the world in 1840. It went to Calcutta New Zealand New Jersey and New York.
Captain John and Mary Ann Wimble’s grave exemplifies professional symbols. These showcase the deceased’s life. They also invite us to imagine the stories behind them. It is a lasting testament to a life well-lived. His story reminds us of the adventurous spirit of those who brave the seas.