Katherine Palmer
The elaborate cartouche memorial to Katherine Palmer was originally on the wall of the west cloister of Westminster Abbey, near her grave, but was taken down in the 1970s for restoration. It has now been removed to the Abbey triforium so is not available to view. The inscription reads:
Here lieth interr'd the body of Katherine Palmer, widow, one of the daughters and coheirs of John Partridge, late of London, Gent. who was the second wife of Andrew Palmer Esq. Assay-Master of England to Queen Elizabeth, King James and King Charles I. She departed this life in full assurance of a glorious Resurrection Jan. 4 in the 75th year of her age, Anno Dom. 1675
In modern dating the date of death is 1676. The sculptured coat of arms at the top shows "party per fess, a pale counterchanged three tassels pendant" for Partridge, impaling "on a bend, between two lions rampant, three martlets". She had no children.
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster