This funeral monument dated 1602 is in Chester cathedral. As the inscription states, it is erected ‘To the memory of that grave and worthy citizen Thomas Greene sometimes Mayor of this Cittie’, and he is depicted kneeling with his hands (now missing) together in prayer, flanked by his two wives. The monument shows them as if at prayer in this space of worship. The inscription records that the monument was erected by the executors of his last will and testament, and this posthumous commemoration by executors was common during the period.<br /> <br /> Thomas Greene is remembered for his ‘integritie of lyfe, curtesy, sobriety and facilitie of manners, his constant love unto his frends and bounty to the poore’. Having no direct heirs, he left his entire inheritance to the benefit ‘of divers good and charitable uses, and to his frends, kinsfolks and to his bethren the aldermen of this citty.’ <br /> <br /> This worthy citizen is set up as an example to others, with his public service to the city – sheriff in the year 1551 and mayor in 1563 – but also his character and charitable bequests to the benefit of others when he died a ‘tymely deathe’ at the age of 76 in 1602.
Funeral monument to Thomas Greene, Chester Cathedral (Monument), 1602

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Funeral monument to Thomas Greene, Chester Cathedral

Funeral monument to Thomas Greene, Chester Cathedral (Monument), 1602

This funeral monument dated 1602 is in Chester cathedral. As the inscription states, it is erected ‘To the memory of that grave and worthy citizen Thomas Greene sometimes Mayor of this Cittie’, and he is depicted kneeling with his hands (now missing) together in prayer, flanked by his two wives. The monument shows them as if at prayer in this space of worship. The inscription records that the monument was erected by the executors of his last will and testament, and this posthumous commemoration by executors was common during the period.

Thomas Greene is remembered for his ‘integritie of lyfe, curtesy, sobriety and facilitie of manners, his constant love unto his frends and bounty to the poore’. Having no direct heirs, he left his entire inheritance to the benefit ‘of divers good and charitable uses, and to his frends, kinsfolks and to his bethren the aldermen of this citty.’

This worthy citizen is set up as an example to others, with his public service to the city – sheriff in the year 1551 and mayor in 1563 – but also his character and charitable bequests to the benefit of others when he died a ‘tymely deathe’ at the age of 76 in 1602.

Object Type Monument
Year 1602
Material Wood, paint, gildling
Discovered Cheshire
Owned By Chester Cathedral
Keywords remembering; giving; charity, belief; church; memory; monument, memorial, death
Image Credit Funeral monument to Thomas Greene in Chester cathedral (1602), personal photograph.

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