The Thicknesse Memorial
Location and Dedication
On the east wall of the south aisle of the church is a stone plaque in memory of Ralph Thicknesse and his wife Lily. Underneath it is a brass plaque in memory of their nephew and adopted son, Raymond Thicknesse.
The only facts we have are that until 1747 the Thicknesse family had lived at Balterley Hall. In 1923 Lily Thicknesse erected the plaque we have in church in memory of her husband Ralph – Raymond’s adopted father. She left a space on it for herself with instructions that when she died she would be added to it. She died in 1952.
Phil Coops of Betley Local History Society observes:
“We must assume that Lily, mindful of her husband’s ancestry and connection with Betley, and possibly because they had no children of their own, wanted their names and that of their adopted son to remain for posterity.”
The Inscription
The inscription on the brass plaque reads:
In memory of Raymond Samuel Thicknesse, 2nd Lieut. Lancashire Fusiliers.
Killed in action in France, gallantly leading his men, 9th October 1917 aged 27 years.
A member of the ancient family of Thicknesse of Balterley.Bonum certamen certavi cursum consummavi fidem servavi Tim 2 IV 7
(I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith)
Read the Biography of Second Lieutenant Raymond Samuel Thicknesse