Philip Scipio (c.1766-1784):
Church of St Martin and St Giles, Werrington PL15 8TP
Little is known about the short life of Philip Scipio. He was initially the servant of the Duke of Wharton before becoming the personal servant to Lady Lucy Morice. He was buried in the churchyard with a headstone that reflected the affection with which he was held.
The headstone, however, is neither complete nor in its original position. The original medieval church was demolished by Sir William Morice in order to construct a bowling green. Philip’s headstone was found at Ham Hill Farm in the 19th century. The final lines of the inscription are missing. It is possible that the stone had been trimmed so that it could be used as a paving stone. Fortunately, its importance was recognised, and it is now attached to the north exterior wall of the church.
Inscription:
Deposited Here
Are the Remains of Philip Scipio
Servant to the Duke of Wharton
Afterwards to Sir William Morice
An African
Whose Quality might have done Honour
To any Nation or Climate
And Give Us to See
That Virtue is Confined
To no Country or Complexion
Here Weep
Uncorrupted Fidelity
And Plain Honesty
In pious regard to which virtue’s approv’d
By a brother and husband…
