William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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Cherubs is in Architectural Detail.
Around 1624. St Mary's Church, Preston on Stour [Map]. Monument to Nicholas Stour and his two wives. Said to have been brought from St Mary's Chapel, Islington, by the patron: bracketed shelf with kneeling figures, of front-facing man in armour with flanking women in profile, four Corinthian Columns of touch; entablature with armorial bearing and Cherubs holding skulls.
After 1702. Monument to Richard Francis Shireburn [aged 8]. Church of All Hallows, Great Mitton [Map]. Sculpted by William Stanton [aged 63]. Figure of boy against Reredos background, with Cherubs.
Richard Francis Shireburn: On 3rd December 1693 he was born to Nicholas Shireburn 1st Baronet. On 8th June 1702 Richard Francis Shireburn died.
After 1708. All Saints Church, Maiden Bradley [Map]. Monument to Edward Seymour 4th Baronet [aged 75]. Sculpted by John Michael Rysbrack [aged 13]; white marble reclining figure in front of tablet with pediment with cherubs, scrolled pediment with arms over. Powdered Wig. Heeled Shoes. Buckled Shoes.
On 5th April 1713 Richard Welby [aged 55] died. Monument at St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. Sculpted by Thomas Green of Camberwell [aged 54]. The fully wigged standing life sized figure of the deceased stands in an arched surround flanked by fluted Pilasters with acanthus scrolls and broken segmental pediment contaning a cherub and putti leaning down from heaven holding a metal coronet, surmounted by an achievement. Beneath is he inscription panel and to either side putti holding memento mori, and mourning, one with tears.
The inscription reads:
M.S.
Here are deposited the Remains of
Richard Welby of Denton Esqr
Lord of the Mannours of Welby Streglethorp Saperton and
Swinsted and High Sheriff of the County of Lincoln 1705
A Gentleman of an ancient & Virtuous Family, a good Christian
a Loyal Subject, a true lover of the Church
a sincere Respector of its Clergy and
a daily Frequentor of its Worship
In His private Character, Modest, Humble and Courteous
of great Probity and universal Charity
The Poor lost in him a liberal and silent Benefactor
his Tenants, a forbearing Landlord;
his Servants, a kind and prudent master;
his Relations, an invaluable Friend;
his Children, a most indulgent Father and
his Mournfull Wife ye Best of Husbands.
He marry'd Mary Daughter & Sole Heiress of John Towers of
the Isle of Ely Esqr, by whom he had Issue;
Mary Interred here, Selina, William and John twins, Eleanor & Richard
After a tedious Sickness, which he bore with exemplary patience
and resignation, he dyed on Easter day 1713
In hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection; & lament his loss
the Righteous shall be had in everlasting Remembrance
MARY his once happy Wife now Sorrowfull Relict
??????? her own Affection
Erected this Monument Dec 10 1714.
Mary Welby
Ob June 8 1759
Ae 74
Richard Welby: In 1658 he was born. Before 1713 he and Mary Towers were married.
After 1738. Monument to Joseph Ashley in Saint Leodegarius Church, Ashby St Ledgers [Map]. Grey and white marble architectural wall tablet with Pediment and winged Cherubs heads below. Signed by Nathaniel Hedges.
Joseph Ashley: In 1738 he died.
