Thomas Thetcher Explained

Thomas Thetcher (1737? – 12th May 1764), also known simply as The Hampshire Grenadier, was a grenadier in the North Regiment of the Hants Militia. He is known to the present day only through his gravestone, which stands in the graveyard of Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England.

His grave site was designated as a Hampshire Treasure by the Hampshire County Council.[1]

Inscription text

In Memory of
Thomas Thetcher
a Grenadier in the North Reg. of Hants Militia, who died of
a violent Fever contracted by drinking Small Beer when hot the 12 May 1764. Aged 26 Years.

In grateful remembrance of whose universal good will towards his Comrades, this Stone is placed here at their expence, as a small testimony of their regard and concern.

Here sleeps in peace a Hampshire Grenadier,
Who caught his death by drinking cold small Beer,
Soldiers be wise from his untimely fall
And when ye're hot drink Strong or none at all.

This memorial being decay'd was restor'd by the Officers of the Garrison A.D. 1781.

An Honest Soldier never is forgot
Whether he die by Musket or by Pot.

The Stone was replaced by the North Hants Militia when disembodied at Winchester, on 26 April 1802, in consequence of the original Stone being destroyed.

And again replaced by The Royal Hampshire Regiment 1966.

Citations

Grenadier Thetcher's gravestone has been quoted and misquoted extensively in the centuries since his death.

See also

References

  1. Web site: Hampshire Treasures: Volume 4 (Winchester), Page 87 - St Michael . Hants.gov.uk . 2 November 2010 . 2 June 2015.
  2. Web site: Alcoholics Anonymous : Alcoholics Anonymous . Aa.org . 2015-06-02.
  3. Web site: Augustus Hare Society Pages . Augustus-hare.tripod.com . 2 June 2015.
  4. 10.1056/NEJM199910213411716. 10577085. More on Deglutition Syncope. New England Journal of Medicine. 341. 17. 1316–1317. 1999. Carey. B. J.. De Caestecker. J.. Panerai. R. B..
  5. Web site: Beer (Pepys' Diary) . Pepysdiary.com . 2 June 2015.
  6. Web site: The Living Age Volume 0051 Issue 650 (November 8, 1856) . Cdl.library.cornell.edu . 2015-06-02.