William Forbes

In the north transept of Westminster Abbey is the grave of William Forbes. The stone, in front of Admiral Warren's monument, reads:

Here lies the body of William Forbes of Tolquhon in the shire of Aberdeen and Kingdom of Scotland, who exchanged this life for a better April the 5th 1728 aged 42. As also the body of Ann his wife, who departed Nov. 11 1738 aged 58.

The arms carved on the stone, which are now very worn, are quarterly Forbes with Preston of Formantine.

His life

William was the eldest son of Thomas Forbes, advocate of Edinburgh, and nephew and heir of Sir Alexander Forbes. He was ancestor of the Forbes-Leith family. Anne, whom he married in 1706, was the daughter of John Leith of Whitehaugh in Aberdeen and his wife Elizabeth daughter of William, 11th Lord Forbes. 

William was 12th Lord of Tolquhon (although he is only called Esquire in the burial register) but the family castle had to be sold by the government due to debts. He lived abroad for a while.

His son William became vicar of Thornbury. His other son John succeeded his Leith grandfather and assumed the surname Forbes-Leith.

Further reading

Tolquhon Castle in Scotland is open to the public.