Cranfield, Lionel (Earl of Middlesex)

In Latin: Sacred to the memory of Lionel Lord Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex, who by that discerning Prince James I, being called to attend the Court, was for his vigorous genius, bountifully rewarded both with honours and profit; Master of the Requests, Wardrobe, President of the Court of Wards and Privy Counsellor. The new and illustrious, as well as difficult province of Lord Treasurer of England he filled; which service, how sedulously he underwent, his titles of Knight, Baron Cranfield and lastly, Earl of Middlesex, with various other honours, abundantly testify. From hence, envy swelling, all its efforts were made to raise storms against him. Whilst he briskly standing on his guard, encouraged by his assurance of innocence, was shamefully tossed about; and barely escaping shipwreck, in a composed winter cast anchor, and spent and finished his life in a retired leisure; here, lying concealed, being whilst wearied out first, and wasted afterwards, this pilot was roused up to undertake a safer voyage, and made the port of Heaven. He died 6 August 1645, about seventy years of age. He had two wives, both of which brought him issue. Elizabeth, the first, bore him daughters, Elizabeth now Countess of Mulgrave, Martha, Countess of Monmouth, and Mary who died before marriage. His other wife surviving, Anne now Countess of Middlesex, and who, when God shall please, is to be buried in this tomb, on which is placed her effigy, bore him James, heir to the honour and Earl of Middlesex, Lionel and Edward now living; and of the other sex Frances Lady Buckhurst, and Susanna who died an infant 25 June 1647. {Translation courtesy of Westminster Abbey website, amended.]