The Moravian Burial Ground, the entrance to which is at the north end of Milman’s Row, occupies about two acres of ground. The whole is divided into four distinct compartments. The brethren are buried in separate divisions from those of the sisters; for, as in their public assemblies, they still adhere to the ancient custom of separating the sexes, the men occupying one, and the women the other side of the chapel, so they retain it even in their burying ground. The tomb-stones are all flat, placed on turf, raised about six inches above the ground, in regular rows. The inscriptions in general record only the names and age of the persons interred. Amongst them are the following:—
William Hammond, 1783, formerly a clergyman of the Church of England; he was of St. John’s College, Cambridge, and was the author of a book, entitled, “The Marrow of the Gospel,” being the substance of some sermons preached before the University. He was a man of considerable learning, and an excellent Greek scholar, in which language he wrote his own life. The late Rev. Mr. La Trobe had the manuscript in his possession some years ago.
James Fraser, aged 63, 1808, who made fifty-six voyages between England and Labrador, in the service of the Moravian Missions on that coast.
James Hutton, 1795, of whom there is an engraved portrait in mezzotinto, with a trumpet to his ear. This worthy and well-known character was accustomed to pay morning visits to some of the first families in Chelsea; he used likewise to seek out objects that were in distress, and relieved them according to their necessities. The character of Albany, in Miss Burney’s celebrated novel of Cecilia, is said to be meant for his portrait. He died in the 80th year of his age.
The Rev. C. J. La Trobe succeeded him as secretary to the brethren.
James Gillray, 1799, forty years sexton at this cemetery, father of Gillray the celebrated caricaturist, whose works are so much admired for their spirit and effect.
Pætrus Bæhler, 1770. A very active Minister among the Moravians, and one of their bishops. He came to England in 1738, was very intimate with Wesley and Whitfield, whom he visited at Oxford, and who were in the same ship with him when he went to America as Minister of the Colony of Georgia.