Robert Whitworth

Robert Whitworth was buried in the south cloister of Westminster Abbey on 13th May 1778 but has no marker or memorial. He was a scholar at Westminster School and was drowned on 5th May in the Thames aged 17. His friend Phoenix Felton, former King's Scholar and son of John and Elizabeth Felton of Bath in Somerset, was drowned at the same time when their sailing boat overturned. He was in his 20th year and was buried in the same cloister on 9th May. 

Robert was a son of Sir Charles Whitworth M.P. Lt. Governor of Tilbury Fort and Treasurer of the Foundling Hospital (died August 1778) and his wife Martha (Shelley). His brother Charles was a celebrated diplomat, later created Earl Whitworth.

Further reading

Inquest papers on the deaths are in the Abbey collection.

Location

South Cloister

Robert Whitworth
South Cloister

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster