Edward Staunton, sculptor and mason, was the son of William Staunton (1639-1705). He was born in 1681 and was apprenticed to his father in 1694. Staunton worked in the family business that dealt with memorials and tombs. Edward's memorials and effigies reveal a high level of sculputural quality. He became mason of the City of London in 1708 and extended the masonry side of the business; this is reflected in the extensive work undertaken on Westminster Abbey. Edward was married three times and was buried in Holborn on 30th May 1734.