26 November 1920 – Rev. John Charles Ramsay

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From the Western Daily Press on Friday the 26th of November 1920

The funeral of the late Rev. John Charles Ramsay, vicar of Hullavington, who died in Malmesbury Cottage Hospital on Sunday after a week’s illness, took place at Hullavington on Thursday. The burial was at 11.30, and the church was crowded.

"The Whole Hog," a bar and restaurant in Malmesbury. Interestingly, this building has a historical significance, as it served as Malmesbury Cottage Hospital from late 1897 until the end of 1926. The building retains its traditional architectural charm, with steeply pitched roofs and whitewashed walls, characteristic of the local style. The exterior now includes signage for the restaurant and an outdoor seating area, reflecting its modern-day function as a dining establishment.
The Whole Hog near the Market Cross in Malmesbury. From late 1897 until late 1925 it was Malmesbury Cottage Hospital.

The clergy present in included the Ven. Archdeacon of Swindon (Dr. Talbot), Canon F. H. Manley (Rural Dean), Canon R. G. Livingstone (Brinkworth), the Revs. C. W. Fowler (Luckington), E. A. Gowring (Grittleton), C. F. Chorley (Corston and Rodbourne), C. E. Paterson (Malmesbury), H. Warneford (Foxley and Norton), R. L. A. Westlake (Sutton Benger), F. G. Walmsley (St. Paul’s, Chippenham), H. S. French (Easton Grey),  G. D. Wray (Long Newnton), A. Leslie (Sherston), R. E. Bentley (Littleton Drew), W. H. Evans (Leigh de la Mere), and N. Willis (Malmesbury).

The chief mourners were Mrs. Ramsay (widow), Miss Hilary Ramsay (daughter), Miss Ramsay, Cheltenham (sister), and Miss Moore. Among the others present were Lt.-Col Sir Audley Neeld, and the church wardens and sidesmen. There were over 50 floral tributes. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. W. Fowler, the Rev. E. A Gowring reading the lesson, and the Rev. R. E. Bentley the Psalms.

Archdeacon Talbot, in an impressive address, said he had come there charged with a message from the Bishop (who was unable to attend the funeral), a message of love and understanding and appreciation. They knew how the late vicar gave himself completely to his work and that his work was not merely his first duty but was his entire life. They wanted a wider world than their parish to know why they came there with something more than the sadness – with thankfulness and righteous pride that God gave them such a man in such an office and that he discharged it so.

The Rev. C. F. Chorley and the Archdeacon officiated at the graveside. The late Rev. John Charles Ramsay was 53 years of age. He was born at Bristol, and educated at Cheltenham and St. Bees. He was admitted as deacon in 1894, and ordained priest by the Bishop of Manchester in 186. After being two years at Leesfield, Oldham, he became curate of St. Thomas, Eastville, Bristol and later of Highworth near Swindon. He became vicar of Hullavington in 1905.

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