Brass Rubbing: Sir Hugh Hastings

From Bontell: The canopy to this grand brass (which is apparently the work of a foreign artist) was originally composed of four of these compartments on either side, each uppermost one being surmounted by a smaller canopied figure and two pinnacles: of the compartments five only now remain. The finial of the main canopy, which originally supported a helmet and crest, is lost: the legs of the principal effigy, and various other fragments, have also been removed from the slab. The two compartments here figured severally represent, beneath the most elegant tabernacle-work and upon rich diapers, the effigies of Henry Plantagenet, earl of Lancaster, and Ralph Stafford, Lord Stafford. Bontell, Monumental Brasses of England (1849). Description from the exhibit catalog English Brass Rubbings by Kathleen Cairns: "Elsing--Sir Hugh Hastings, 1347. An outstanding soldier during the Hundred Year's War. The church in Elsing was founded by him in 1340 and his brass lies in the chancel. Although the brass is mutilated it is still one of the most beautiful in England. His armour is the mixed-plate variety and his arms are on his jupon, a shield on his arm. His head rests on a cushion. The single canopy has St. George in the pediment. The two figures on brackets represent the Coronation of the Virgin and Our Lord. Between these two figures is his tilting casque (mutilated). Above Sir Hugh's head is the figure of his soul ascending to Heaven upheld by Seraphim. The side shafts depict "Weepers." Beginning at the upper left they are Edward III, Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, Roger, Lord Grey of Ruthyn, Henry Plantagenet, Earl of Lancaster, Ralph, Lord Stafford and Almaric, Lord St. Armand. They are armed and with their armorial bearings no their jupons. The figures of the "weepers" are thought to be true portraits. From the catalogue, An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings by Kathleen H. Cairns: Information identical to above entry

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Brass Rubbings from the Collection of Kathleen H. Cairns, December 5, 1971 - January 14, 1972. Botetourt Gallery and Museum, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Catalog #28. Felgate, T.M. Knights on Suffolk Brasses. East Anglian Magazine Ltd. Ipswich, Suffolk 1976. Spinke, Winifred. A Memento from Old England. Bury St. Edmunds, n.d. Bontell, Rev. Charles. Monumental Brasses of England (1849), pp. 29-30. English Brass Rubbings (exhibit catalogue), Williamsburg, VA, 1971. Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, December 7, 1969 through January 4, 1970. Frick Fine Arts Building, University of Pittsburgh. Catalog #59 Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, October 20 through November 19. Catalog #47.