Death at the Altar - Southwell Minster, 1807
The untimely demise of Robert Barlow Cook
On 2nd April 1807 - Easter Thursday - Robert Barlow Cook, aged 27, was due to marry Sarah Sandever at Southwell Minster.
Their courtship had taken place over a number of years, delayed periodically by Robert's declining health.
He was ultimately diagnosed with consumption, and his case deemed helpless. He nevertheless remained determined to marry.
On the morning of 2nd April, 1807, he was raised from his bed and supported all the way to church on the arm of his brother-in-law to be.
Throughout the ceremony he rallied his spirits, but before (says one chronicler*) the usual entry could be made in the church register, he sank to the floor and expired.
Upon checking the Southwell Minster records, we do actually find the marriage recorded...... But there is also an entry recording Robert Cook's burial three days later on April 5th (see below).
* The incident is recorded in R.P. Shilton's History of Southwell (1818), p.284
Marriage of Robert Barlow Cook and Sarah Sandaver recorded in the Southwell Minster parish registers, 2nd April, 1807
The burial of Robert Cook, recorded in the Southwell Minster parish registers on 5th April 1807 - three days after his marriage