Vernon stock, or that of the On-Stanley-on branch of English aristocracy. Sir Thomas Stanley married a Vernon and died in 1576. Few monuments even in Westminster Abbey equal the tomb of this member of the Stanley family. He lies side by side with his Lady Margaret, and both effigies are as lifelike as the best sculptor could make them in marble. His hair is black, and face, form, and armour are vividly human in appearance. The imagery, embracing symbols of every device and significance that the artist thought might illustrate the life and virtues of his subject, are exquisitely carved. Indeed, if any mercenary standards may be applied to such works, such a monument would now cost at least £10,000 to produce it On every hand stand these tombs wrought in marble, brass, or alabaster, erected to commemorate the different lords of Tong Castle and Manor. What may be taken for the "Henry Seventh's Chapel" of this little Westminster is the "Golden Chapel" built by Sir Henry Vernon for his tomb and memory. He and his lady lie in effigies on their backs with devotional aspect, as if their marble lips were petrified in the middle of a prayer. He died in 1515; and yet hardly any feature of this beautiful little chapel has been defaced by time or man. Its delicate ornamental work is bright and radiant with its original gilding.
There are seventeen of such monuments in the
