History

Gilbert Thornburgh, Gentleman of the Cellar to the King, was buried in the north aisle of the nave of Westminster Abbey. A white marble cartouche with a winged cherub head was erected in the window splay nearby. The Latin inscription can be translated:

"Sacred to the pious memory of G.T. Here lies Gilbert Thornburgh, who was always faithful to his God, his Prince, and his friends, formerly an earthly, now a heavenly courier. It shall be no more said in the age to come, who would become good must leave the court, when such a shining piety as his shall appear there. He died 6 October 1677, aged 56".

The coat of arms shows "ermine, fretty, a chief argent" with a crest of a fox.

His wife was Sarah. He had brothers Thomas and John and sisters Jane, Anne and Elizabeth who were mentioned in his will.

A photo of the memorial can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library.