William Camden, author and antiquary, was buried in the south
transept of Westminster Abbey on 19 November 1623. Through the
influence of Dean Gabriel Goodman he had been appointed Second
Master at Westminster School in 1575 and he became Head Master
1593-97. He was also Librarian of Westminster Abbey 1587-97 and
sang in the Choir 1584-5. He was author of the first guidebook
to the monuments in the Abbey, published in 1600. His monument
of white marble is on the west wall of the transept with a bust
(unfortunately the inscription gives an incorrect age). He has
his left hand on his famous book Britannia and in his right he
holds some gloves. In the arcade behind is a gilded coronet
(referring to his King of Arms office) and two shields of arms.
The Latin inscription can be translated: William Camden,
Clarenceux King of Arms, who illustrated the British
Antiquities, by ancient truth and indefatigable industry, and
adorned his innate simplicity with useful literature, and
illustrated his pleasantness of humour