Between rainstorms, we were out in the countryside doing some church-crawling, a grand way to do some ‘medievalling’ when long journeys to castles and houses, most still closed for the winter, are out of the question. We happened on Stoke Charity by pure accident. I was attracted by the unusual name, which also began ringing… Continue reading Elizabeth Wayte (Lucy) & Stoke Charity
Tag: tombs
Restoration commences on the de la Pole tomb in Wingfield Church….and I take a little detour to Wingfield Castle….
For Ricardians the name de la Pole conjures thoughts of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln. And maybe too of his father, John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk, whose effigy lies at Wingfield Church in Suffolk with his duchess Elizabeth of York. She was a daughter of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of… Continue reading Restoration commences on the de la Pole tomb in Wingfield Church….and I take a little detour to Wingfield Castle….
Heraldry
The shield depicted, which belongs to the Heraldic Roll of Ludlow Castle (and which can be seen at the castle) is that of Roger Mortimer, first Earl of March and his wife Joan de Geneville. This is what is called a heraldic impalement. The husband’s arms are to the left as you look at it… Continue reading Heraldry
STAINDROP CHURCH, A NEVILLE MAUSOLEUM
REBLOGGED FROM A Medieval Potpourri @ sparkypus.com Ralph Neville Earl of Westmorland and his two wives. Staindrop Church, Durham. Ralph Neville by his wife Joan Beaufort, was the father of Cicely Neville, mother of two kings – Edward IV and Richard III. This drawing was made by Charles A Stothard c.1811 and shows them minus the graffiti.… Continue reading STAINDROP CHURCH, A NEVILLE MAUSOLEUM
St Margaret Marloes
This link from The Friends of Friendless Churches tells the story of St Margaret Marloes in the 14th Century. One interesting fact is that she was the niece of Sir Guy de Bryan, whose splendid but empty tomb may be found in Tewkesbury Abbey and will be familiar to many readers of this blog. Sir… Continue reading St Margaret Marloes
Hair today, gone tomorrow (4) – A prodigal lock of hair….
Years ago, not quite before the Flood, although it feels like it now, I went to Tewkesbury Abbey with my husband and we saw a flat glass display cabinet containing a number of ancient locks of hair. I was writing a book called “Wife to the Kingmaker” at the time, so I was particularly… Continue reading Hair today, gone tomorrow (4) – A prodigal lock of hair….
The only extant example of a boar pendant on a tomb effigy….?
It’s the usual story. There I was, rambling around looking for something completely different, when I happened upon the above photograph, which is of the tomb effigy of Ralph Fitzherbert, who died 1483, a supporter of Richard of Gloucester. As you will see from the caption, it is “the only extant example of a… Continue reading The only extant example of a boar pendant on a tomb effigy….?
The Mysterious Stone Masons of Herefordshire
Recently I had the chance to visit two of the most attractive female medieval tomb effigies I have yet encountered, both lying in their respective churches within ten miles or so of each other. Although one tomb effigy is in much better condition than the other, they are so stylistically close that it is likely… Continue reading The Mysterious Stone Masons of Herefordshire
How many wives did Sir Simon Burley have….?
Sir Simon Burley, childhood friend, tutor and magister of Richard II, was executed today, 5th May, in 1388. He was the son of a Herefordshire knight, was brought up with the Black Prince, and rose to be one of the most powerful men in the land when he ruled the king’s household. Richard adored and… Continue reading How many wives did Sir Simon Burley have….?
Today Flinders; who might it be tomorrow….?
Who else might be waiting to be discovered? Which great figures from the past, thought to be lost forever, are just lying there impatiently, wondering when we’ll get around to them? How many tombs, destroyed by Henry VIII’s love life, might yet be retrieved…? Oh, we hardly dare wish! Richard III was found, and just… Continue reading Today Flinders; who might it be tomorrow….?
murreyandblue 