Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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Pedestal

Pedestal is in Architectural Detail.

After 26th July 1723. Church of St Michael and All Angels, Edenham [Map]. Monument to Robert Bertie 1st Duke Ancaster and Kesteven [deceased] sculpted by Peter Scheemakers [aged 32] and Henry Cheere 1st Baronet [aged 20]. A Classical Period with Corinthian Capitals supporting open dentilated pediment with garland, urns and putti. Before the Aedicule a rounded Pedestal supports a marble image of the deceased attired as a Roman General.

On 1st May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu [aged 64] died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder [aged 33]. Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 2nd February 1880 George Hamilton Seymour-Conway [aged 82] died. Monument at Church of St Nicholas, Alcester [Map] sculpted by Prince Victor of Hohenlohe Langenburg Count Gleichen [aged 46]. Seated figure on Pedestal.

George Hamilton Seymour-Conway: On 21st September 1797 he was born to George Seymour-Conway and Isabella Hamilton. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.