(c.1535-1612)
Founder of Jesus Hospital almshouses, ecclesiastical lawyer, politician and judge
Described by John Newman in Pevsner’s Buildings of England series as “a bizarre narrative wall-monument.” Sir John wrote his will in 1611 and stated his preference to be laid to rest in the cathedral “not far from the place of my deceased wife’s burial” and for this monument to be built, “whereupon fifty pounds and no more to be bestowed”. Sir John’s life-like effigy, the two weepers representing his mourning wives, and various architectural elements are all carved from alabaster. The two columns, one to either side of the effigy, appear to be of a dark, well-polished crystalline stone, but are inaccessible for precise identification. Click here for more on Sir John Boys.
