Osberto Parsley

It seems to me it’s unusual to have a surname that is a vegetable or herb. The Broccoli dynasty of Bond fame, of course, and the fictional Parsnip created by Evelyn Waugh to mock WH Auden in Put Out More Flags. So I’m pleased to add Parsley to my trug.

Osberto Parsley, what splendid names, was born in Norwich in 1511. Not much is known about him except he was a “singing man” in the Cathedral and a composer. In fact everything known about this modest but talented cove can be read on his elegant, dignified and modest memorial in the north aisle of Norwich Cathedral.

Musicae Scientissimo
Ei quondam Consociati
Musici posuerunt Anno 1585

Here lies the man whose Name in Spight of Death,
Renowned lives by Blast of Golden Fame:
Whose Harmony survives his vital Breath.
Whose Skill no Pride did spot whose Life no Blame.
Whose low Estate was blest with quiet Mind:
As our sweet Cords with Discords mixed be:
Whose life in Seventy and Four Years entwin’d,
As falleth mellowed Apples from the Tree.
Whose Deeds were Rules whose Words were Verity:
Who here a Singing-man did spend his Days.
Full Fifty Years in our Church Melody
His Memory shines bright whom thus we praise.

The PG Wodehouse Society visited the cathedral in 2011 on a tour of Wodehouse locations in the county. There is a Victorian window to ancestors of Plum but they may have missed the Parsley garnish. Osberto’s legacy is his compositions of which this is one.