Monument 1

Dating from c. 1717 this fine white Carrara marble memorial was made by  Edward Stanton of London for John Morgan “The London Merchant” (d.1715).  Surrounding the central memorial plaque are elaborately carved columns and pediments and the memorial is lavishly decorated with an acanthus flowers, palm leaves, cherubs’ heads and finial urns.   The monument is capped with a marble helm with a gilded stag’s head and an extensively  decorated shield with fifteen armorial “badges”.  

John Morgan was the fourth son of Thomas Morgan (d.1664) and his second wife Elizabeth Wyndham, who left Wales in his twenties to make his way in the world with £50 in his pocket. Early in the 18th century, he returned to Machen and bought Ruperra Castle as his home having made a fortune  in  London. He used his wealth to purchase the Lordship of Wentloog thus becoming Lord of 17 manors. He continued  the Morgan family support of the Church in Machen and was responsible for the construction of the Chapel which has become his resting place.

John Morgan followed in his family’s tradition of public service being appointed High Sheriff of Monmouthshire in 1697  and was elected in 1701 to represent the  Monmouth Boroughs in the House of Commons serving until 1705.  He never married and on his death, his lands and manorial rights passed to his nephew, John Morgan, and were absorbed into the Tredegar Estate. 

To find out more about John Morgan “The London Merchant” please click here.