William Conway

In St Margaret's church Westminster is an alabaster and marble memorial to the Reverend William Conway. It is signed by sculptor Richard Belt and shows a bust of Conway in a scalloped niche with a surround of Tudor roses. The inscription reads: 

Dedicated to the memory of the Revd. William Conway, M.A. Canon of Westminster, for twelve years Rector of this parish, by his parishioners and friends in affectionate remembrance of the blessed influence which by his meekness of wisdom, gentleness of spirit and sincerity of purpose he exercised over all classes. "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. Born 16th April 1815, Canon of Westminster and Rector of this parish 31st August 1864. Died 22nd March 1876.

He was born 16th April 1815 a son of Thomas Conway, a grocer, and his wife Ann (Reeves). Educated at King's College London and Cambridge he was ordained and became Vicar of St Nicholas, Rochester in Kent. He was Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret's from 1864-1876. His wife was Elizabeth Martin and their son Martin became 1st Baron Conway of Allington (died 1937). His funeral was at the Abbey and St Margaret's but he is buried at Rochester, where there is another memorial.

Further reading

"The Conways, a history of three generations" by Joan Evans

"Episodes in a varied life" by Lord Conway of Allington in Country Life, June 1934