Brass Rubbing: William Robins, Catherine and children

From Horowitz. 2002. This civil servant wears the armor current during his lifetime, complete with passeguard at the shoulders and sabbatons over the feet. However, it is doubtful that he ever participated in a battle. His hands are uncovered and in prayer. His wife, Catherine, wears a butterfly headdress with a veil pulled over her forehead. Her dress is trimmed in fur. Beneath William's feet are the figures of four sons dressed in academic costume. At Catherine's feet are five daughters. William was a clerk of the signet to Edward IV. This office kept him in close contact with the king, who often signed the letters written by the clerk after a wax seal was created with the king's signet ring. In 1477, William and other were granted the goods of a tailor in Winchester. This clerk was one of many government officials necessary for the administration of the state, regardless of what dynasty sat on the throne.

Horowitz, Mark R. The Monumental Brasses of England: The Horrowitz Collection. Morton Grove, IL: Portcullis Productions, 1980 (1979). p. 29-30. Horowitz, Mark R. The Monumental Brasses of England. The Horowitz Collection. New Edition, 2002. p.37.