History

In the west cloister of Westminster Abbey is a white marble monument to John Laurence. This was originally in the south walk, where he was presumably buried, but was moved as it obscured the monastic towel niches which were restored.The Latin inscription can be translated:

"Sacred to perpetual memory, in faith and hopes of a Resurrection John Laurence ordered his ashed to be buried near those of his son who died before him. He was secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer who when he had, during the Civil War, fought for Charles I, was, for his integrity, probity and discretion, an esteemed servant of Charles II. For his firmness to the Church of England, and sincere piety to God, very remarkable, he at length returned to his heavenly country which he had been long wishing for February 1, 1684, aged 66"

He was a son of Edward Laurence, alderman of Chichester, and his wife Susan. He was baptised on 18 July 1619 in St Peter the Great in that town. His wife Amy was buried in the Abbey on 10 September 1687. She was a daughter of Richard Williams and married John on 27 May 1653 at St Olave's, Old Jewry in London. Their son John was buried 23 July 1677 and daughter Anne buried on 13 December 1690, married Sir Lumley Robinson and secondly William Foulis. Another daughter was Amey.

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

See a separate entry on the website for Sir Lumley Robinson.