History

In the south choir aisle of Westminster Abbey is a monument to Sophia, Marchioness of Annandale. She was buried with her son William in the nearby south transept. The monument is signed by sculptor James Gibbs and consists of a white marble monument with a grey marble sarcophagus. Above is a re-painted achievement of arms, including the arms of Johnstone "a saltire, in chief three woolpacks". The Latin inscription can be translated:

"Sacred to the eternal memory of the most rare matron, the Lady Sophia Fairholm, Marchioness of Annandale, born in Scotland, whose elegance of sense and behaviour contended for preference, with an excellent and beautiful form of body. Renowned for the praises of the mother and wife, so diligent a governess in her family, that she sustained the weight of her family affairs with a manly conduct equal to it; adorned with such and so many virtues, that she finished a life admired by all, by a death as universally lamented. This monument as a token of dury and gratitude is erected by her afflicted son James Johnstone, her eldest son, Marquis of Annandale. She died 13 December 1716 aged 49. Here also by direction of the aforesaid Marquis, are buried the relics of Lord William Johnstone, his dear brother, second son of the aforesaid Marchioness, who died 24 December 1721, aged 26"

On the base is a further inscription in English:

"Near this place is also interr'd James MARQUIS of ANNANDALE, a nobleman of great parts & many excellent qualities, who died at Naples 21st Feb. 1730".

His coat of arms is cast in lead and gilded.

Sophia, daughter of John Fairholm of Craigiehall, Edinburgh, married William Johnstone, 1st Marquess of Annandale, when she was just 13 years old on 2 January 1682. He was a politician and they had five children. James succeeded as 2nd Marquess and was also Earl of Hertford. He died unmarried and was buried in the north transept.  Henrietta was the daughter.

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