Spotted at Reading Station - Henry West

Sudden the change

I in a moment fell and had not time

to bid my friends farewell.

Yet hushed be all complaint,

'tis sweet, 'tis blest

to change Earth's stormy scenes

for Endless Rest,

Dear friends prepare,

take warning by my fall,

so you shall hear with joy

your Saviour's call.

 

I wonder how many people even notice this small brass plaque, tucked away by the Pumpkin Cafe on Platform 7, Reading Station. I spotted it during the early morning rush today, this epitaph to one Henry West, aged 24, killed by a whirlwind in March 1840 and just had to find out more. Details on Reading Forum here.

Poor Henry. What a tragedy!  Though I can't imagine anybody receiving such a fulsome  - if flowery - epitaph today.