;24 A DORSET WORTHY. 



His memorial tablet, an octagonal marble one, with a Latin 

 inscription (which with its translation into English is given 

 below), still remains ; but it has been removed from its original 

 place in the chancel to the west end of the north aisle. 



Stone appears to have given his books to Wimborne Minster, 

 although they had not been taken away from Oxford before his 

 death. But they were removed shortly afterwards,* and 

 formed the commencement and the nucleus of the celebrated 

 chained Library which exists in his native place. 



In his will, a copy of which is annexed, he left his Wimborne 

 property (lands, houses, &c.), to be eventually " for the use 

 and benefitt of the Almesmen who shall live in the Hospitall 

 of St. Margaretts which is in the said parish of Wimborne," 

 and he bequeathed to 100 poore people of that parish, to be 

 nominated by the overseers of the poor, 2s. each." The resi- 

 due of his property he left to such charitable uses as his old 

 friend, Mr. Walker, the Master of University College, should 

 direct. Some portion of this w r as laid out in the purchase of 

 land at St. Clement's, Oxford, whereon some almshouses have 

 been built and endowed, aided by gifts and legacies by Stone's 

 executor, Dr. Fry, and by another medical practitioner, Mr. 

 Richard Curtis. On the front of the building may still be 

 read this inscription : " This Hospital for the poor and sick 

 was founded by the Reverend Mr. William Stone, Principal of 

 New Inn Hall. In Hopes of thy assistance. Ao. Dno. 1700." 



Thus, in Oxford, eight poor women, thanks in no small 

 measure to the munificence of William Stone, enjoy their 

 almshouses and gardens, each with monetary assistance 

 amounting to about 20 a year. 



And in Wimborne, the closing years of some 15 or 16 poor 

 men and women are made easier, owing to his bequest to 

 St. Margaret's Hospital. 



And, although it is to be feared that his books w r hich were 

 given to the Minster at Wimborne are not often used now, 



* Cf. Proceedings of the Dorset N.H. and A. Field Club, Vol. XXXV., 

 p. 23, 24. 



