SK7792 : Memorial to Francis Williamson, St Mary Magdalene church
taken 12 years ago, near to Walkeringham, Nottinghamshire, England
The slate and alabaster monument to Francis Williamson (d.1639) and his wife Elizabeth was sculpted by Edward Marshall in 1659 and stands in the north chancel aisle. Two life-size kneeling figures face each other, and below them three kneeling children.Francis was high sheriff of Nottingham in 1626. His wife was daughter of Sir John Jackson of Edderthorpe. Their eldest son was Robert Williamson.
"My life to loose, my soul to save,
My goods to spend, I took, I gave
See what remains all you that pass,
And make my monument your glass.
Mistake not youth nor Ladyes faire,
A glass but not to curle your hayre,
No flatterer; but true and just,
It measures out your time in dust,
All men doe erre, and judg(e) amiss
Till they have viewed themselves in this.
Which to thee Reader shows this much,
Some few houres past and thou art such
Then thoughts and cares for long life save,
And bee undressing for the grave."