The Honorable William Burgess is one of the notable South River colonists. He came into Maryland from Virginia in 1649. By 1659 he was a member of the House of Burgesses, and shortly thereafter he appeared in the capacity of High Sheriff of Anne Arundel County. In 1660 William Burgess founded London Town on land he gave for settlement. For a time, London Towne rivaled Annapolis as a commercial center, a port of entry, and the residence of the leading merchants of the colony. When Lord Baltimore sailed for England in 1684, he appointed William Burgess to serve as Deputy Govenor and Lieutenant-General of the Province during his Lordship's absence.
The Honorable William Burgess is one of the notable South River colonists. He came into Maryland from Virginia in 1649. By 1659 he was a member of the House of Burgesses, and shortly thereafter he appeared in the capacity of High Sheriff of Anne Arundel County. In 1660 William Burgess founded London Town on land he gave for settlement. For a time, London Towne rivaled Annapolis as a commercial center, a port of entry, and the residence of the leading merchants of the colony. When Lord Baltimore sailed for England in 1684, he appointed William Burgess to serve as Deputy Govenor and Lieutenant-General of the Province during his Lordship's absence.
Inscription
William Burges Esq. died 24th day of January 1686 aged about 64, leaving his dear beloved wife Ursula and eleven children viz: seven sons and four daughters and eight grandchildren. In his lifetime he was a member of his Lordship's Coucell of Estate, one of his Lordship's deputy Governors, a justice of ye high provincial court, Coll. of a regiment of the trained bands and sometimes Genorall of all the military forces of the province. His loving wife Ursula has executed this testimony of her true respect and due regard for the worthy deserts of her said dear departed husband hath erected this monument.
Gravesite Details
In 1960, the Prince George chapter of the D.A.R. added the marker.
