Thomas Master

At the east end of the south cloister of Westminster Abbey is a wall monument to Thomas Master, by sculptor Benjamin Palmer. It consists of black and white marbles with an heraldic shield, once painted, amid palm leaves. The Latin inscription can be translated:

Here is buried Thomas Master, fourth son of Legh Master, Esq. in the county of Lancaster, and of Margaret his wife; scholar of this place, who, after a time spent pursuing his career so near at hand, in dying failed to fulfill the hopes that you had, not without reason, entertained of him. Born 3rd Dec. 1723, he died 15th Dec. 1742

His grandfather, Sir Streynsham Master, was governor of Madras and his father was a Member of Parliament, of Codnor Castle in Derbyshire. Margaret (Launder) was Legh's first wife. Thomas attended Westminster School in the precincts of the Abbey where he died. His brothers Streynsham and Legh also attended. Legh settled in America and supplied ordnance to the British forces in the War of Independence and died at Legh Furnace.

Further reading

For his father see History of Parliament online