John Chapple 1826 - 1887

Portrait of John Chapple Mayor of St Albans in 1879

St Albans Museum

Stained Glass Memorial Window St Peter's Church Bedford

Chris Dunn Nov 2008

Architect and Clerk of the Works St. Albans Abbey

By Chris Dunn

JOHN CHAPPLE - Architect, Alderman and Mayor of St. Albans

BORN   January 1st 1826 Dulverton. Somerset
DIED    February 6th 1887, Torrington Hall, Holywell Hill, St. Albans, Hertford

John Chapple, one of ten children born to George and Mary Ann Chapple. [1]    His brothers were named Alfred George and Arthur Thomas, (who died aged 11 months and was buried 26th May 1838 [2] )An elder sister, Elizabeth, plus four younger sisters, Julia born 1839, Lucy Ann born 1832, Harriet Mary born 1849, and Maria Jessie born 1845. [3]    There were two other brothers, both with the same name, Henry Torrington (a common practice) Both Henry's died in childhood, one aged 3,  buried 2nd January 1834, and the second died aged 7, buried 2nd September 1842. [4]

The 1841 Census gives the address as High Street Dulverton.

At the time of his first marriage 26th May 1851 at St. Peter's Church Bedford to, Louisa, nee Peacock, born in 1817, died April 1860 aged 43, (MI) [5] John Chapple was a saddler as was his father George Chapple. [6]

John and Louisa had one son, John Hubert Chapple. Sadly John died November 1859, aged 7.

The East Window, St. Peter's Church Bedford, is a Memorial to Louisa Chapple and John Hubert Chapple [7].  A Dedication Service was held October 28th 1876 and the design of the stained glass window was by Burlison & Grylls.

The Inscription reads:
"To the Glory of God and in memory of Louisa Chapple who died 13th April 1860 aged 43 and of John Hubert her son died 30th November1859 Aged 7"

[1] Dulverton Baptism Records 1825-1834 All Saints Church
[2] Dulverton Burial Records 1830-1844
[3] Dulverton Genealogy Transcription Records (Baptisms, Marriage & Burials at All Saints Church)
[4] Dulverton Burial Records 1830-1844
[5] East Window, St. Peter's Church, Bedford
[6] Pigot's Directory of C1844 Page 059. George Chapple - Saddler & Ironmonger.Somerset
He was also Post Master
[7] East window St Peter's Church Bedford
[8] Stained Glass Memorial Window St. Peter's Church Bedford