Brass Rubbing: William Gomersall

From Horowitz. 2002. This inscription bears the arms and crest of Gomersall in a brass plate described as "a modest memorial for another successful merchant." The inscription, here modernized, reads: Here lies buried the body of William Gomersall, late citizen and ironmonger of London, who changed this mortal life the first day of July in the year of our Lord God 1597, in full and perfect hope of a joyful resurrection; and left behind him one son and two daughters. William's will is the main source of information about his life. His wife, Anne, was to receive numerous payments from their son, Robert, in return for his possession of all his father's lands and houses in two suburbs. Grants of money were bequeathed to certain relatives and friends, and £5 sterling for the poor of Hillingdon. Goods left to people included wool beds, flaxen sheets and a silver spoon weighing two ounces. Debts owed to Gomersall amounted to over £400, and his son was charged with their collection. A grandson was named after William.

Horowitz, Mark R. The Monumental Brasses of England: The Horrowitz Collection. Morton Grove, IL: Portcullis Productions, 1980 (1979). p. 35. Horowitz, Mark R. The Monumental Brasses of England. The Horowitz Collection. New Edition, 2002. p.45.