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Thomas Moore 1779-1852

Born in Dublin. He was one of the first Catholics to attend Trinity College Dublin. He gained early success in London with his singing, playing and poetry. His reputation was assured when he put words to ancient Irish airs. Moore’s Melodies were published in ten volumes from 1808-1834. His works include The Meeting of the Waters, Irish Melodies, National Airs and Sacred Songs, Lalla Rookh, The Harp that once through Tara’s Halls, She wore a Wreath of Roses, Oft in the Stilly Night, O Breathe Not His Name, She is Far From the Land, biographies of Sheridan and Byron and a History of Ireland. He is also remembered for burning Byron’s memoirs. His five children all predeceased him and this affected his mental state in his last years.

            There was a demand for Moore to be buried in Ireland but Bessy his wife wanted him buried with his two children in the vault in Bromham, Wiltshire.

            When McDonagh (Irish Graves in England) visited the grave in 1887 he described the grave as “lying three feet from the gable end of the church. It was marked by a long narrow stone slab, lying flat, two inches above the ground, surrounded by strong and high iron railings”. The photo to the right shows a postcard of the grave as McDonagh described it.

            Moore’s parents are buried in St Kevin’s Churchyard, Camden Row, Dublin. The inscription reads: Sacred To The Memory Of John Moore Esq/ Formerly Barrack Master Of Islandbridge/ In The County Of Dublin/ Who Departed This Life December 17th 1825/ Aged 84 Years/ Here Is Also Interred Anastasia Moore/ Alias Codd The Beloved Wife/ Who Departed This Life May 8th 1832/ Aged 68 Years/ Also Six Of Their Children Who Died Young/ And Their Beloved Daughter Ellen/ Who Died February 14th 1846/ Deeply Mourned By Her Brother Thomas Moore/ The Bard Of His Much Beloved Country Ireland

Photos of Thomas Moore's grave by Donal Bateson

Further information, location and directions to the grave are to be found in "The End - An Illustrated Guide to the Graves of Irish Writers".  Click here to order a copy of this book