Historic Marble Memorials of
St Paul's Pro-Cathedral

St Paul's Pro-Cathedral in Valletta contains an outstanding collection of nineteenth and early twentieth-century marble memorials commemorating bishops, clergy, churchwardens and prominent members of the British community in Malta. These beautifully carved tablets provide a unique insight into the people who helped shape the Anglican Church and British administration on the island during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Many of the memorials were commissioned by family members, friends or the cathedral congregation and remain in their original positions inside the cathedral.

William Hardman (1838-1907)

William Hardman was born in Liverpool on 21 August 1838 and spent more than fifty years living in Malta. During that time he became one of the most respected members of the Anglican congregation at St Paul's Pro-Cathedral, serving for many years as Church Warden and helping oversee the life and administration of the cathedral.

Following his death in London on 22 November 1907, this finely carved marble memorial was erected by his widow and a number of close friends in recognition of his faithful service to the cathedral and the British community in Malta.

Sir Edward Victor Lewis Houlton G.C.M.G.
and Dame Hyacinthe Marguerite Houlton

This memorial commemorates Sir Edward Victor Lewis Houlton G.C.M.G., who served as Chief Secretary to the Government of Malta from 1855 until 1883. As the senior civil servant in the colonial administration, he played a major role in the government of Malta during the nineteenth century.

The memorial also honours his wife, Dame Hyacinthe Marguerite Houlton, who died in 1897. Together the couple represent the close relationship between the British colonial administration and St Paul's Pro-Cathedral during the Victorian era.

George Tomlinson DD

George Tomlinson DD (1794-1863) was the first Lord Bishop of Gibraltar following the creation of the Diocese of Gibraltar in 1842. During his episcopate St Paul's Pro-Cathedral became one of the principal Anglican churches serving British communities throughout the Mediterranean.

His memorial recognises his important contribution to the establishment and growth of Anglican ministry across the region during the early Victorian period.

The Venerable John Cleugh DD

The Venerable John Cleugh DD served the Anglican community in Malta for more than half a century. Appointed Chaplain to Government in 1824, he later became Archdeacon of Malta and served St Paul's Pro-Cathedral from its earliest years following its consecration.

Members of the cathedral congregation commissioned this impressive memorial following his death in 1881 as a lasting tribute to his long and distinguished ministry.

The Venerable John T. H. Lemsluie

The Venerable John T. H. Lemsluie served the British community in Malta for more than thirty years. A Chaplain to the Forces and one of the Senior Chaplains serving the British garrison, he also officiated regularly at St Paul's Pro-Cathedral, where he became a familiar and respected figure within the Anglican congregation.

His memorial records his long ministry among British servicemen and civilians on the island. Erected following his death in 1909, it commemorates a lifetime devoted to pastoral care, military chaplaincy and the spiritual welfare of the Anglican community in Malta.

Henry Lumsdaine Gale (1833–1904)

Henry Lumsdaine Gale was born at Plymouth on 24 July 1833 and spent more than forty years living in Malta. During this time he became one of the cathedral's most devoted lay members, serving as Church Warden of St Paul's Pro-Cathedral for twenty-five years and helping oversee the life and administration of the Anglican congregation.

Following his death at Attadale, Perthshire, Scotland, on 8 September 1904, this marble memorial was erected by friends in Malta and England. It honours his many years of faithful service and records the esteem in which he was held by the cathedral community.

Sir Maurice Dorman G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., G.C.St.J.

Sir Maurice Dorman (1912–1993) served as Governor of Malta from 1962 until the island achieved Independence in 1964. He then became the first Governor-General of Malta, serving until 1971 during the formative years of the newly independent nation. His distinguished public career also included service as Lord Prior of the Venerable Order of St John.

This memorial honours his dedication to Malta and public service. It stands as one of the cathedral's most modern commemorative tablets, linking the historic British administration of Malta with the country's transition to independence while reflecting Sir Maurice Dorman's enduring association with St Paul's Pro-Cathedral.

Further Historic Memorials

Several additional marble memorials are located throughout St Paul's Pro-Cathedral. These commemorate bishops, clergy, military officers and notable members of Malta's British community from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. As each memorial is photographed and researched it will be added to this page.

Related Pages

• Military Memorials of St Paul's Pro-Cathedral
• British Army Memorial Panels
• Royal Garrison Regiment Memorial
• St Paul's Pro-Cathedral Visitor Guide
• Military Memorial Catalogue