Dr Richard Busby (1606-95), the most celebrated
schoolmaster of his time who held the post of Head Master of
Westminster School for 55 years, is buried beneath the black and
white marble pavement of the Choir, which he presented in 1677.
He was famous for his liberal use of the cane to discipline the
boys and his pupils included the poet John Dryden, architect
Christopher Wren, and scientist Robert Hooke. Busby's white
marble monument is in the south transept. His coat of arms at the
top shows three black arrows on a gold shield with three gold
stars above. He reclines on a mattress holding a pen and an open
book and looks upwards towards the long Latin inscription. This
can be translated:
"See! underneath, lies the image of Busby: such as he appeared
to human eyes. If you desire to see that part of him more deeply
impressed in their minds, thoughtfully survey the shining
characters of both universities, and the law, in the court, the
parliament and the church. When you have viewed around such a
full-sown and plenteous harvest of ingenious men; only consider
what he must have been who sowed it. This must be he, who, the
natural genius in everyone nicely discovered, usefully managed
and happily improved. This he, who, by his instructions, so
formed and nourished the minds of youth, that they learned to
grow wise, as they learned language; and while they were educated
as boys, they improved as men. As many as taught by him appeared
in public, so many faithful and strenuous asserters were raised
to the monarchy and the Church of England. Lastly whatever fame
the School of Westminster boasts, and whatever advantages mankind
shall reap from thence, is principally owing to Busby, and will
be owing to him in all ages. So useful a member of the
Commonwealth, God was pleased to bless him with length of days
and increase of riches. And in return, he cheerfully devoted
himself and his [wealth] for the promotion of piety, to relieve
the poor, to encourage learning, to repair churches. These were
his ways of enjoying wealth; and what he did not employ in his
life-time to this purpose, he bequeathed at his death"
Below on the plinth:
"Richard Busby of Lincolnshire, S.T.P. [Professor of
Sacred Theology]. Born at Lutton 1606 Sep.22. Head Master of
Westminster School 1640 Dec.23. Installed Prebendary in the
Church of Westminster 1660 Jul. 5. Installed Treasurer at Wells
[Cathedral] 1660 Aug.11. Died 1695 Apr.5 "
Busby was a son of Richard Busby, churchwarden at Lutton in
Lincolnshire and the family moved to Westminster shortly after
his birth. Young Richard attended Westminster School and Christ
Church, Oxford. Many of his books still remain in the School
library. He built the church at Willen in Buckinghamshire and
left several benefactions to trustees for the relief of the poor,
as he died unmarried. William Busby, son of Robert Busby, was one
of the first trustees. Richard Busby, son of Sir John Busby, was
the Doctor's godson.
A photo in black and white or colour may be purchased from
Westminster Abbey Library.
A copy of his will can be purchased from
www.documentsonline.pro.gov.uk
Further Reading:
"The Dictionary of National Biography"
"Memoir of Richard Busby..." by G.F.Russell Barker, 1895.