George Slemaker

George Slemaker was buried on 23rd August 1802 in the south cloister of Westminster Abbey. His stone, adjoining that to Max Warren, is now worn but a record of the inscription was made:

George Slemaker late of this Collegiate Church died 18th August 1802 aged 62 years. Also Susanna Slemaker widow of the above died 31st October 1818 in the 81st year of her age

He was a servant to Dean Pearce and in 1768 was appointed sacrist and porter of the Little Cloister, soon being promoted to porter of the Great Cloister, Keeper of the College water and bell ringer. Later he was chamberlain and a messenger. Porters were in charge of the entry gates leading into various parts of the cloister. His wife was baptised at St Margaret's Westminster on 4th June 1738, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Burt. She married George there on 28th April 1768. Several children were baptised at the Abbey - Susanna 1769, George 1771 (who married Mary Bredell), Elizabeth 1772 (who married Pitt Cobbett), John 1775 (buried 1778), Thomas 1776 (died in the same year) and John 1779. Susanna died in her house in Bedford Square, Covent Garden.