CH9. Tablet framed by mottled marble columns and decorated pediment
Mr. JOHN MIST / late of this Parish Died the 15th / of April 1737 Aged 46 Years / and Also / ELISABETH the Wife of the Said / JOHN MIST who died the 25th of / Jan. 1741 Aged 54 Years.
One of my absolute favourite memorials has always been that of John Mist in the North Aisle. It is quite plain, not at all ornate like some of the ones in church, but the reason I like it is that a descendant of John Mist wandered into church one day. She was on holiday from her home in USA and was staying in London for a few days. On an impulse she decided to travel out to Hillingdon on the tube to see the church where her ancestor was buried. When she arrived I was vacuuming the floor near the font, and as she walked through the door, I stopped to ask her if I could help her. She told me the reason for her visit and I was able to immediately point out the memorial stone. As I say, I gaze about a lot and knew it was there! To say she was surprised was an understatement and she very kindly shared with me what she knew.
John Mist was a very successful pavior (designer and layer of paving stones) in London in the early 1700’s. He was born in London around 1691. He married Elizabeth Carter 2 October 1711 at Gray’s Inn Chapel. Elizabeth was born around 1693 at St. Albans Hertfordshire.
John Mist was known for the fine quality of his paving. He was employed by the Office of Public Works and British History Online gives details of many contracts for work done, including the paving of Haymarket, Sackville Street, some of the Queen Ann Churches and St. James Square. He also was the contractor for 6 houses on what is now Broadwick Street, Soho, and these are still there under a conservation order. His sister Sarah, was married to Charles Bridgman the English landscape garden designer, who was the sole gardener in charge of all the royal gardens under King George II. It is likely that John Mist introduced his sister to Charles Bridgeman, since both John and Charles Bridgeman worked for the Office of Public Works at the same time.
When John died 15 April 1737 age 46, he left a considerable legacy of 50,000 pounds in his will (about 7.5 million pounds today!!!). He had 4 children. Sarah, John, Edward and Charles. The will states that he lived in Westminster, so why he is buried in Hillingdon is anyone’s guess!
Christine Bartlett