The monument was erected in memory of the Hon Holles St.John, youngest child of Henry 1st Viscount St.John and Lady Angelica Magdalena St. John. The couple had twelve children but only four survived to adulthood. Holles was buried in the family vault at St. Mary's Church Battersea with all his siblings who had died young.
Holles left £50 in his will to his sister Henrietta in order that she provide a monument for him.