Back Next Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, England  

   

August 1972: An interesting gravestone.  It reads:

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


In grateful remembrance of whose universal good will towards his Comrades, this Stone is placed here at their
expense, 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."