Benedict Arnold, one of the most controversial figures of the American Revolutionary War, ended his life far removed from the country where he had once earned the trust of General George Washington.
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Arnold had already experienced considerable hardship before joining the Continental Army. A businessman before his military career, he lost his shipping business during the Revolutionary War and was wounded in combat twice. Yet his military achievements eventually saw him rise to the rank of major general and become a trusted officer under Washington.
His final resting place, however, is an unusual one. Arnold was buried in the crypt of St. Mary’s Church in Battersea, England, in 1801. Today, that crypt forms part of the church's basement and is used by a private kindergarten program.
From Washington’s trusted officer to British ally
Arnold's fortunes appeared to improve after British forces withdrew from Philadelphia. Washington appointed him military commander of the city, giving Arnold an opportunity to rebuild his personal life.
A businessman at heart, Arnold began pursuing commercial interests in Philadelphia, although his business activities drew criticism from some at the time. The position nevertheless allowed him to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
Philadelphia also played an important role in Arnold's personal life. It was there that he met Peggy Shippen, whom he later married. Shippen sympathized with the British cause and was subsequently suspected of being a British spy, according to the Museum of the American Revolution.
Historians continue to debate the extent to which Shippen influenced Arnold's decision to change allegiance. What is established is that Arnold eventually defected to the British side.
Arnold left for England and never returned
Arnold's switch of allegiance transformed his place in American history. He left New York for England in 1781 and never returned to the United States.
Although the British military took Arnold in, he did not achieve the same authority or success he had enjoyed while serving the American revolutionary cause. He nevertheless established a life in Britain with his family and was respected in some British circles.
Arnold died in England on June 14, 1801, aged 60.
He was buried in the crypt of St. Mary's Church in Battersea. His wife, Peggy, and later their daughter were also buried there.
His crypt is now part of a classroom
The crypt eventually became part of the church's basement. The space is now rented by a private kindergarten and serves as a classroom, as well as a meeting space when school is not in session.
The setting offers an unusual final chapter for a man whose name remains deeply connected to the American Revolution and the concept of betrayal.
A belated effort was eventually made to give Arnold a more visible historical memorial.
$15,000 headstone installed more than 200 years after his death
In 2004, former Connecticut state senator Bill Stanley sought to honor Arnold, who was born in Norwich, Connecticut. Stanley paid $15,000 for a granite headstone bearing an epitaph acknowledging Arnold's complicated military history, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
The inscription describes Arnold as a “Sometime General in the Army of George Washington” and adds that the two nations he served during their conflict had ultimately united in lasting friendship.
