Chantreys Oblisk- Norton Lane- Sheffield

As you wander along Norton Lane in Norton- Sheffield, you will soon stumble accross St James Church and this beuatiful Oblisk with the name Chantrey inscribed. It stands tall giving you a feeling of history as you pass. ???

This was created in memory of Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey. An extremely gifted portraitist who was born on 7 April 1781 and was raised in the area on a small farm. Inspired initially by a tomb inside his churches Chapel-He went on to become an apprentice in Paradise square S1 and became one of the most succesful portrait sculptors of his time.

His childhood home Jordanthorpe Farm, still stands today complete with the extension work that he had carried out when his mother still resided there. He remained very close with her often sending gifts home to utterly spoil her.

Chantrey travelled a lot with his work producing busts and statues of many notable figures. His most notable works include the statues of King George IV (Trafalgar Square); King George III (Guildhall), and George Washington (Massachusetts State House). He also executed four monuments to military heroes for St Paul's Cathedral, London.

He actually died on 25 November 1841 aged 60. Having his body brought back to his church- St James on Norton Lane. He had previously designed his own headstone and had arranged for an iron fence to surround him so that no one could dig him up. This is something he worried about after seeing this happening to bodies in London Cemetaries at the time. I think it is fair to say he is safe enough down there now. His grave can still be viewed at St James Church and not much has changed in the surrounding area since his burial. We thankfully have a painting which was created on the burial day by Henry Perlee Parker showing large crowds filled the streets to say their goodbyes to such a respected man of the time. Parker was living at this time on Glossop Road in Sheffield.

Chantrey left behind the Chantrey Bequest (or Chantrey Fund) for the purchase of works of art for the nation, which was available from 1878 after the death of his widow Mary. It was indeed Marys substantial dowry that gave him the opportunity to establish his London studio and house in Pimlico.

His stories of riding his donkey to deliver milk when he was a child have always stayed with me. He would often be spotted on Derbyshire Lane where he had removed a stone from the wall so that he could pour fresh milk into it so that a cat could enjoy it too. I find that a very sweet story indeed.

I do hope you have found this little bit of Information interesting. Thank you for reading.

Shelley-Marie Stone