William Dobson
On the wall of the west cloister of Westminster Abbey, near his gravestone (which just gives his name, date of death and age), is a white marble tablet in memory of William Dobson. The journals of the day describe him as "a man of singular mechanical ingenuity and an excellent classical scholar" and it is also said that "because of his asthma he had not lain down in bed for the last sixteen years of his life"
He was baptized at Edenhall near Penrith in Cumberland in March 1750, the son of Christopher Dobson (died 1794), steward to the Musgrave family, and Mary (died 1772) his wife. His parents have a memorial in Edenhall church. His only sister was Isabella. He died at 7 Chapel Street, Bedford Row in London in 1813 aged 63. His friend Dr Alexander Buchan was also buried in this cloister.
The inscription on the tablet reads:
Dedicated by his sister to the memory of William Dobson Esquire. Born at Eden Hall, Cumberland MDCCL. Died in London MDCCCXIII.
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster
