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Beneath lie the remains of that pious and learned prelate, John Harman, alias Vesey, who was promoted by king Henry VIII, in the eleventh year of his reign, to the see of Exeter; was employed by him on sundry embassies; was tutor to his then only daughter, the lady Mary; and president of Wales.

So great was his affection for this his native place, that he spared neither cost nor pains to improve it, and make it flourish. He procured it to be incorporated by the name of a Warden and Society of the king's town of Sutton Coldfield, granting to them and their successors for ever the Chase, Park, and Manor.

He built two aisles to the church, and an organ; erected the Moor Hall, with a prison under it, and a market place ; fifty-one stone houses; two stone bridges, one at Curdworth and one at Water Orton; paved the whole town; gave a meadow to poor widows; and forthe improvement of youth, founded and endowed a free grammar school (which was rebuilt AD 1728).

He built Moor Hall, where he spent the latter part of his life in hospitality and splendour; saw for many years the good effects of his munificence; and died in the 103rd year of his age, in the year of our Lord 1555.

This monument, erected by John Wyrley, of Hampstead, in Handsworth, esq., to the memory of the good bishop, his great-uncle, was repaired and beautified by the corporation in the year of our Lord 1827.