CHARACTER – Death of the Earl of Zetland. Thomas Dundas

Accreditation the Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea Gazette 16/05/1873

THE FUNERAL
OF THE

EARL OF ZETLAND.

            The remains of the late lamented Earl were interred on Tuesday (13/05), at new, in the family vault in Marske Old Church. The ceremony was of a quite unostentatious character, according to the expressed wish of the deceased. Notwithstanding this there was a large concourse of people besides those immediately connected by relation of friendship with the family of the noble Earl, amongst to we noticed a large number of Freemasons, who by their presence testified to the esteem in which their former Grand Master was held. The remains of the deceased Earl were conveyed by special train from Richmond to Marske, arriving at the latter place at 11:30 am stop A hearse and mourning coaches were waiting at the station, where the procession was formed:- Rev. T. Robson, Vicar of Marske; Dr. Bramwell and W. C. Trevor, Esq., preceded the hearse, which was followed by the mourning coaches. The first coach contained the Earl of Zetland, Mr. W. H. Williamson, Lady Harriet   Lane, (sister of the late Earl), and Miss Barclay; second coach – The Countess of Zetland, Mr and Mrs. J. C. Dundas, Mr. Foijambe. The next coaches were occupied by H. W. Yeoman, Esq. (Brother-in-law of the late Earl), Misses Yeoman, Mrs. Wharton, of Skelton Castle; Rev. H. Yeoman, and other members of the family. The procession on foot included Earl Fitzwilliam, Hon. C. Fitzwilliam, M.P., Admiral Chaloner, J. T. Wharton, Esq., J. G. Wharton, G. D. Trotter, Esq., A. H. Turner Newcomen, Esq., J. W. Pease, Esq., M. P., J. Dodds, Esq., M.P., G. Leeman, Esq., Gilpin Brown, Esq., J. G. Swan. Esq., Rev. W. Milburne, J. B. Rudd, Esq., Tollesby Hall; Dr. Bell, of Hull, Deputy Brand Master of the North and East Provinces of Freemasonry: the mayor of Middlesbro’, the Mayor of Richmond, J. E. Backhouse, Esq., J. E. Macnay, Esq., J. G. Thompson, Esq., Rev. Dr. Gardner, Dr Bennett, and a number of other gentleman of the district, tenantry, &c., &C. The procession wended its way slowly through the village of Marske to Old Church, now used only as a mortuary chapel, all the places of business being closed and the bells of the New Church ringing muffled peals. At the entrance to the churchyard he cortege was met by the Rev. T. Robson, Michael the funeral service was conducted. The pall bearers were Major, Smurthwaite, J. W. Pease, Esq., M.P., J. S. Thompson, Esq., O. Cradock, Esq., C. Tate., Esq. The coffin, which was covered with rich crimson velvet, with the Earl’s Coronet and handles richly guilt, was born by Mr. W. Carlton, Mr. J. Carlton. Mr, W. Garnet (head gardener at Aske), Mr. Burdon (the keeper), all of Aske; Mr. Jackson, Mr. Nixon, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Hurworth, of Upleatham. The coffin bore the inscription

 T H O M A S    D U N D A S,

The Earl of Zetland,

K.G.,

Born 5^th February,

1795;
Died 6^th May,
1873.

The OldChurch was densely crowded, large numbers being unable to gain admission. The service would read by the Vicar with striking solemnity and pathos. After which the procession passed to the family vault at the North East end of the church, where the burial service was concluded, after which the various members of the family, went down into the vault, and in the course of the afternoon, large numbers of people availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting the last resting place of the noble family of Dundas. The following members of the family are buried there:-

The first is that of Admiral Dundas, who died  October 16^th, 1834, aged 55,

The Dowager Charlotte Dundas, died February 11, 1833, aged 87;

Lady Dundas, died April 18^th, 1834, aged 65;

the Right Hon. Lawrence Dundas, the Earl of Zetland, died Feb.19^th, 1839, aged 72;

Sir Robert Dundas, died November 27^th, 1844, aged 64;

Sophia Jane, Countess of Zetland, died May 21^st, 1862, aged 62;

John Charles Dundas, (father of the present Earl), died February 24^th ,1866, aged 57, and

Lady Charlotte Jane Dundas, died November 29^th, 1866, aged 63 years.

Great respect, will shown to the memory of the deceased Nobleman in Redcar. The shops being all closed from 11 till 2 o’clock, the minute Bell told, and large numbers of inhabitants being present at the funeral. The fishermen did not go to see as usual, but gave up the day to show their respect for their lamented patron, by being present at his funeral. The flag on the lookout at Fishermen’s Square, having been hoisted half-mast high since the first news of the noble Earl’s decease reaching Redcar. All who knew the late Earl of Zetland during his long and honourable life, regret the loss of a noble and courteous gentleman of the old school, whose kindness and consideration for all who served under him, all who were connected with his estate will long be remembered.