The Burrell Baronets of Knepp

To the memory of Sir Merrik Burrell of West Grinstead, Sussex Bt., son of Peter Burrell of Beckenham in Kent Esq., by his wife Isabella, daughter of John Merrik of Stubbers in Essex Esq. He was born 03/04/1699 and lived respected and beloved 88 years. Sitting for a great part of that period in parliament. The faithful representative of his constituency, constantly practicing with that honest frankness which completes the true character of an english gentleman those virtues which adorn a man and a Christian.

The monument is the only signed work of the Sculptor, Nathaniel Smith (a pupil of Pieter Scheemaker and L.F. Roubiliac in London), who carved keystones for Somerset House and was father of the Engraver and Antiquary, John Thomas Smith. It was moved from St. Mary’s Church in 1891, under instruction from Sir Charles Raymond Burrell.

The monument, of pyramidical form, originally showed a medallioned bust of Sir Merrik.