After 1451. St Bartholemew's Church, Tong [Map]. The Stanley Monument to, on top, Thomas Stanley and Margaret Vernon, below, their son Edward Stanley. The monument was originally beside the high altar.

The two epitaphs at each end of the monument are believed to have been written by William Shakespeare:

Ask who lyes heare but do not weep He is not dead he doth but sleep This stoney register is for his bones His fame is more perpetual than these stones And his own goodness with himself being gone Shall lyve when earthlie monument is none

Not monumental stone preserve our Fame Nor sky aspyring pyramids our name The memory of Him for whom this stands Shall outlive marble and defacers hands When all to tyme's consumption shall be geaven Standley for whom this stands shall be in Heaven

Thomas Stanley: he was born to Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby and Dorothy Howard Countess Derby. In or before 1563 Thomas Stanley and Margaret Vernon were married. He the son of Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby and Dorothy Howard Countess Derby. They were third cousin once removed. In 1576 Thomas Stanley died.

Margaret Vernon: In 1540 she was born to George Vernon "King of the Peak" and Margaret Tailboys. In 1610 Margaret Vernon died.

Around 1660 Gilbert Soest (age 55). Portrait of William Shakespeare.

Around 1670 Pieter Borsseler (age 36) (possibly). Portrait of William Shakespeare known as the Chesterfield Portrait.

Richard III was written around 1592-1594 by William Shakespeare.