English: Right. Honble James Saumarez, Lord de Saumarez, Admiral of the Red, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Sword of Sweden, General of Marines, and Elder Brother of the Trinity House, a Baronet and D.C.L. of the University of Oxford.

Born 11th March 1757 he entered the Naval Service in 1770, was made a Lieutenant 1776 by Sir Peter Parker after the memorable attack on Fort Sullivan, served in that rank in the fortitude bearing the flag of Sir Hyde Parker in the action off the Dogger Ban 5th August 1781 and on that occasion was made a Commander, the 7th February following he obtained the command of the Russell of 74-guns with the rank of Post Captain, and in that ship bore a distinguished share in Sir George Rodney's victory 12 April 1782 at the commencement of the war with France in 1793. He captured the crescent frigate off Cherbourg the French frigate La Reunion, in June 1794 he beat off by skill and consumate bravery a French squadron of very superior force on the shores of this island, and in sight of his admiring countrymen. In 1796 he was Captain of the Orion of 74-guns in Lord Bridport's victory off Cape La Hogue, and took a prominent part in that of Sir John Jervis off Cape St Vincent 14th February 1797. He was second in command to Sir Horatio Nelson in the glorious Battle of the Nile 17th August 1798. He was made a Rear Admiral 1st January 1801, and being entrusted with the command of a separate squadron he had on the 6th July a severe engagement with a detachment of French Ships and batteries in the bay of Algezerias, and refitting with unparalleled expedition he again on 12th attacked the enemy now increased to more than double his force, when he captured a 74-gun ship and destroyed two first rates. For this achievement he received the thanks of Parliament, being the fifth time that honor had been conferred upon him. In 1803 he was appointed to command the naval force stationed for the protection of the Channel Islands and in December 1806 he was specially raised to the rank of Vice Admiral to enable him to command the Channel Fleet in the absence of Earl St Vincent. In 1808 he hoisted his flag as Commander in Chief to the Baltic Fleet which appointment he held five years. His firm but concilliatory measures at this crisis were mainly instrumental in detaching the northern powers from the domination of France, and thus materially conduced to the restoration of peace. He held the command at Plymouth from 1824 to 1827, and in 1831 was created a Peer of the United Kingdom, to a loftiness of character which indicated him born for command was united a benignity of spirit and an urbanity of demeanour which ensured him universal love, esteem and veneration, both in the public and private relations of his life. His zeal for the welfare of his country was surpassed only by devotion to his God. He exhibited in his whole life the example of an earnest Christian striving to further the will of his Divine Master. Great as his deeds were in life, his greatest triumph was reserved for this last conflict, in which his redeemer taught and enabled him to conquer full of years and full of honor, and in the blessed hope of immortal glory he resigned his spirit into the hands of his God and Saviour October 9th 1836 in the 80th year of his age.

He married, October 27 1788, Martha, only child of Thomas Le Marchant Esq., and Mary Dobree his wife, by whom he had eight children, four only survive, who with their beloved mother have erected this monument to his revered memory.