Sarah and Brook Henry Young

In the north aisle of St Margaret's church Westminster is a large wall tablet decorated with a vase and a coat of arms in memory of Sarah wife of Sir William Young, Governor of Tobago, and Lt. Colonel Brook Henry Young, who are buried in the church. Unfortunately this is now hidden behind the organ. The shield shows "Or, on three piles sable as many annulets of the second, a Baronet's badge" for Young, impaling "argent, a cross raguly gules" for Lawrence. The inscription reads:

In the chancel vault beneath lie the remains of Sarah daughter of Charles Lawrence Esq. and wife of Sir William Young, Bart. who departed this life Jan 6 1791 aged 38. The above Sir William Young, Bart., died at Tobago of which Island he was Governor 16th January 1815 aged 65 years; to whose memory a monument was erected at the public expense of the Colony in that Island by the unanimous resolution of the Board. In the vault beneath are also deposited the remains of Brook Henry Young Esq. late Major of the 58th regiment and Lieut. Colonel in the army who died 21st of September 1813 aged 33 years. His life was spent with honour in the service of his country, which he only quitted when ill health would no longer permit him to perform the duties of his profession.

On the vase is a Latin inscription which can be translated:

Her grieving husband, now alas, a widower, has set up this memorial to Sarah Young, a beloved wife and mother

Sir William, 2nd Baronet, 1749-1815, inherited sugar plantations in the West Indies. He was the eldest son of Sir William Young, 1st Baronet and Elizabeth daughter of Brook Taylor. He married Sarah in 1777 and had 4 sons and 2 daughters. His second wife was Barbara Talbot. He was Governor of Tobago 1807-1815, Member of Parliament, author and Fellow of the Royal Society.

Further reading for Sir William

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Occupation

Soldier

Location

St Margaret's Church

Memorial Type

Plaque

Sarah and Brook Henry Young
St Margaret's Church

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

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