John Stewart

In the window splay of the north nave aisle in Westminster Abbey is a white marble monument to Captain John Stewart. The mural tablet consists of decorations of flags, an anchor and naval trophies, with a turban and crescent at the top. John was in active service for many years and is said to have sailed round the world with Captain Vancouver. His humanity to his prisoners earned the respect of the Turks. The inscription is by Mr Adair with whom Stewart was associated in arranging the "peace of the Dardanelles":

To the memory of John Stewart, Esquire, Captain in the Royal Navy, son of William Stewart, Esquire, of Castlestewart in Wigtownshire, and Euphemia daughter of Lord Fortrose. He entered the Navy at an early age, and distinguished himself in every rank and branch of the service; particularly when in command of the Seahorse of 38 guns, with which single ship he totally defeated a Turkish squadron and captured the Badere Zaffer carrying 52 guns. He died in London on the 25th of October 1811 aged 36 years. The knowledge, decision and coolness which he displayed as an officer, won him the confidence of all who served with him; the gaiety and cheerfulness of his temper, the frankness of his disposition, and the warmth and goodness of his heart, rendered him the delight of all who approached him, and made his death an equal loss to private society and to his country

His gravestone in the centre of the nave was removed in the 19th century when the floor there was re-laid but it read:

Here lies the body of Captain John Stewart of the Regent, son of the late William Stewart Esq. of Castle Stewart, county of Wigtown, Scotland; and of Euphemia Mackenzie, sixth daughter of the late Lord Fortrose, who departed this life on the 25th of October 1811, aged 36 years.

A small stone with his name and date now marks his grave. He died unmarried and his sister Mary administered his will.

Further reading

The Naval Chronicle vol.26 prints the undertaker's expenses for his funeral