Monument to Sir Ernest Joseph Cassel, Kensal Green Cemetery

Cassel’s monument occupies a very large plot marked out by a low stone wall, in the central part of the cemetery immediately SE of the Anglican Chapel and near the tombs of the Duke of Sussex and Princess Sophia. The monument itself is about 2 metres tall, its form recalling that of an ancient Egyptian pylon tower with a plain rectangular base, battered sides and a flared cornice emblazoned on both faces with a carved representation of the winged sun-disc; the choice of style presumably reflects Cassel’s close involvement in the finances of modern-day Egypt. The central recess is inscribed: ‘In / loving memory of / the Right Honourable / Sir Ernest Joseph Cassel / GCB, GCMG, GCVO / born March 3rd 1852 / died September 21st 1921 / svaviter in modo, fortiter in re ['gently in manner, firmly in action’] / And of / his sister Wilhelmina / born March 28th 1847 / died September 16th 1925 / Where’er she met a stranger / there she left a friend.’