Philip de Sausmarez

In the north choir aisle of Westminster Abbey is a marble monument to Captain Philip de Sausmarez. The monument, by sculptor Sir Henry Cheere, shows an oval medallion portrait, unveiled by a winged cherub. Naval trophies and shells are used as decoration and on the base is a relief of a naval battle. His achievement of arms is shown but only the shield is painted. The monument was paid for by Matthew de Sausmarez.

The inscription, on a large carved shell, reads:

Sacred to the memory of PHILIP DE SAUSMAREZ Esqr. one of the few whose lives ought rather to be measured by their actions than their days. From sixteen to thirty seven years of age he serv'd in the navy, and was often surrounded with dangers and difficulties unparallel'd, always approving himself an able, active, and gallant officer. He went out a Lieut. on board his Majesties ship ye CENTURION under the auspicious conduct of Commodore Anson in his expedition to the south seas. He was commanding officer of the said ship when she was driven from her moorings at the Isle of Tinian. In 1746, being Capt. of the NOTTINGHAM a 60 gun ship, he (then alone) attack'd and took the Mars, a French ship of 64 guns. In the first engagement of the following year, when Admiral Anson defeated and took a squadron of French men of war and India men, he had an honourable share; and in the second, under Admiral Hawke, when the enemy after a long and obstinate resistance, was again routed, in pursuing two ships that were making their escape, he gloriously but unfortunately fell. He was the son of MATTHEW de SAUSMAREZ, of the Island of GUERNSEY, Esqr. by ANN DURELL of the Island of JERSEY his wife. He was born Nov. 17th 1710, kill'd October 14th 1747, buried in the old Church at PLYMOUTH with all the honours due to his distinguish'd merits and this monument is erected out of gratitude and affection by his brothers and sisters.

Sausmarez Manor on Guernsey can be visited and it holds two portraits of Philip and one of his brother Thomas.