Batcheler, Thomas

  In Latin: What was mortal of THOMAS BATCHELER, a native of Norfolk, of St Peter’s College, Cambridge, Bachelor of Civil Law, lies buried beneath this place in the Episcopal Consistory Court. Here, with much praise to himself, to the advantage of litigants, and to the dignity of the ecclesiastical court, he was engaged for forty-three years in conducting, defending, and managing cases and affairs, being one of the Procurators-General. He united an intimate knowledge of Roman, Canon, and Maritime law, both theoretical and practical, to a familiarity with polite literature and with Roman and Greek authors. His life was marked by outstanding integrity, remarkable skill in conducting business, rare humility, and almost excessive modesty. He was known for his fidelity and diligence toward his clients, his benevolence to his friends, and his humanity toward all. Therefore he lived beloved by the Bishops of Norwich, their Chancellors, and the Clergy (whose rights he thoroughly understood and vigorously defended). He was also dear to men of every rank, to whom he became known through his deep knowledge of law, sharpness of intellect, soundness of judgment, wide learning, proved probity, and exceptional prudence— and he left to them a most sorrowful longing for him. He died on the 18th day of July, A.D. 1729, in the 65th year of his age.