Sited on the left (west) of the old south door (visible from the south gallery) is a marble memorial to William Browning who was a fellmonger and patron of this church. He was born in 1676 in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire.

In 1723, he purchased a limited advowson (the right to appoint a person of their choice) to the Rectory and so he presented William Taswell who resigned in 1726. He next presented his son, also William Browning, who was rector from 1726 or 1727 until his death in 1740. 

Probably thinking he had not had his money's worth, the elder William subsequently presented John Paget as rector. This precipitated a lawsuit as William had exceeded his time and John Paget was consequently ejected.

In 1724 his younger son Stephen died aged 12 years and in 1727 his wife Elizabeth also died.  He later married Hannah (surname unknown).  In 1740, aged 63, he was appointed High Sheriff of Surrey. 

He died in 1758, leaving detailed instructions in his Will for a Marble Memorial (pictured left) to be erected and sited close to his and his son's vault.  His will also detailed his estate left to Thomas and Sarah, the two surviving children of his son (see below).

William Browning (1702-1740)