Commemorative Plaque

Date1789

MediumCopper

DimensionsOverall: 7 1/16 × 6in. (17.9 × 15.2cm)

Credit LineGift of Sir Campbell Stuart.

Object number1938-171

DescriptionFlat, rectangular copper plate commemorating the foundation laying of William Dinwiddie's house near Manchester, England in 1789; front of plate engraved as follows: "WILLIAM the 21st child of/ LAURENCE DINWIDDIE ESQr: of/ GERMISTOWN near GLASGOW N:B:/ came to MANCHESTER IN MAY A:D:1772/ married ANN eldest daughter of/ GILBERT HAMILTON D:D: of CRAMOND/ near EDINBURGH JANy: A:D: 1782/ Laid the Foundation of this House/ MAY A:D:1789 in 32d/ year of his & his Wife's Age having three Daughters/ MARGARET HAMILTON, ELIZABETH & ANN and one son/ LAWRENCE aged one year." Top of reverse side of plate engraved: "Except the Lord build the House/ they labour in vain that build it."
Label TextCrafted in order to celebrate the laying of the foundation of William Dinwiddie's, a merchant in Manchester, new home, this copper plate outlines Dinwiddie's family at the time of construction. William Dinwiddie was the son of Provost Laurence Dinwiddie of Glasgow and nephew of the former lieutenant governor of Virgina, Robert Dinwiddie.

The plate was found after Dinwidde's home was demolished in the 1880s due to the construction of Queen's Park.
MarkingsFront of plate engraved as follows: "WILLIAM the 21st child of/LAURENCE DINWIDDIE ESQr: of/GERMISTOWN near GLASGOW N:B:/came to MANCHESTER IN MAY A:D:1772/married ANN eldest daughter of/GILBERT HAMILTON D:D: of CRAMOND/near EDINBURGH JANy: A:D: 1782/Laid the Foundation of this House/MAY A:D: 1789 in the 32d/year of his & his Wife's Age having three Daughters/ MARGARET HAMILTON, ELIZABETH & ANN and one son/LAWRENCE aged on year." Top of reverse side of plate engraved: "Except the Lord build the House/they labour in vain that build it."