Fisher Family

“Sacred

to the memory of

FRANCES daughter of

CHAS. FISHER Sculptor, and

MARY ANNE, his wife

She died 23^rd of Jany.1839

aged 14 years

and of GEORGE and RICHARD

who died in their infancy”

“Daughter of a famous family of sculptors”

When she was born, around North street in 1825, to Charles and Mary Anne Fisher, Frances Fisher entered into a family of sculptors. Her great grandfather, Richard Fisher, had moved to York in 1746 and had made a name for himself with his memorials, gravestones and decorative masonry. His clients included the Aislabies at Studley Royal and the Duke of Rockingham at Wentworth House. He also worked alongside the famous York architect, John Carr.

Frances’ grandfather, John Fisher, continued the family business: he created monuments for illustrious personages, like York MP Sir George Saville and the physician, Dr Dealtry both of which can still be found in York Minster today.

Frances’ father, Charles’ youngest son, then took up the family trade. Many of the gravestones and memorials in the York Cemetry, which opened in 1837, are attributable to Charles. There are two memorials created by the Fisher family – probably Charles – inside Holy Trinity: on the north wall, there are two plaques dedicated to Rev James Dallin and Robert Fry respectively, both signed “Fisher”. The memorial stone for the Routledges was also carved by “Fisher”.

But, the Fisher family also suffered for their trade. Four of Frances’ uncles died suddenly in their 30s. The architectural historian, Nicholas Pevsner speculates that marble dust from their father’s workshop might have damaged their lungs.

Charles had the misfortune to have to bury his daughter, Frances, as well as her two brothers, Richard and George. The carving on this stone is especially deep and has lasted well. Maybe it was carved by the grieving sculptor and father? Or maybe by his wife? Mary Anne is also recorded as a stonemason and after Charles’ death in 1861, Mary Anne and her son, John took over the Fisher stoneyard, trading as “M A Fisher and Son”.