This memorial was originally sited at the east end of the north wall to the nave. Although the exact position is debatable, there is a strong argument for believing it was situated immediately above the memorial to Colonel JP Desmaretz which still exists in situ.
NATHAN ASHHURST, ESQ., FOURTEEN YEARS TOWN-MAJOR
OF THIS GARRISON, WHO, AFTER A SERVICE OF 44 YEARS
IN VARIOUS QUARTERS OF THE GLOBE, DIED HERE ON THE
19TH DECEMBER 1820, IN THE 60TH YEAR OF HIS AGE
TO A ZEALOUS AND FAITHFUL DISCHARGE OF HIS MILITARY
DUTIES IN THIS GARRISON, HE UNITED IN AN EXEMPLARY DEGREE
THE KIND HEARTEDNESS, BENEVOLENCE, AND FRIENDLY
ATTENTIONS OF THE CITIZEN AND GOOD NEIGHBOUR.
TO PERPETUATE THEIR SENSE OF THOSE ESTIMABLE QUALITIES,
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL OFFICERS AND INHABITANTS OF
THIS TOWN HAVE CAUSED THIS MONUMENT TO BE ERECTED.
Further Information
The photograph above is of the severely damaged plaque above that for Colonel Desmaretz. Although no text survives on it, the crest is undamaged. This shows four colours, twin gun barrels and a shield, suggesting that the plaque is of Army origin. What is of greater significance however is the device on the shield - a star and crescent - which is clearly based on the emblem of Portsmouth itself. As Nathan Ashhurst was a servant of the Borough as well as being a military man it is presumed that this was the site of his plaque. Supporting this is the entry from the 1873 guide which lists Ashhurst's memorial immediately before that of Colonel Desmaretz.
