Heraldry of the Bedford Chapel, Chenies Buckinghamshire


  WINDOWS
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W1 William, Lord Russell and Rachel Wriothesley, his wife.
W2 George Digby, Earl of Bristol and Anne Russell, his wife.
W3 John, 4th Duke of Bedford, K.G.
W4 Francis, Marquess of Tavistock and Elizabeth Keppel, his wife.
Francis, 5th Duke of Bedford their son.
W5 John, 6th Duke of Bedford, K.G.
W6 Francis, 7th Duke of Bedford, K.G.
W7 Clare Gwendoline Bridgman, Marchioness of Tavistock.
W8 Hastings, 9th Duke of Bedford, K.G. and Elizabeth Sackville West, his wife.
W9 Plain glass
The co-ordinated series of six stained glass windows on the North side of the Chapel are by C.E. Kempe, c 189?. The large East window dedicated to the 9th Duke of Bedford is also by Kempe.

 

The most recent window, completed in 1969, is by H.B. Powell and is in memory of the Marchioness of Tavistock, Clare Gwendoline Bridgman.

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  The six windows, on the North side (W1-W6), commencing from the West end consist of three lights each and show in the side lights the heraldry of the several Dukes of Bedford and other members of the family. The allegorical figures seated under the canopies in the central lights represent their public or private characteristics which the memorial inscriptions also explain.  
     
  The windows were erected mainly to commemorate those members of the House of Russell who are interred in the Chapel and of whom no other memorial exists.  
     
  They were designed and executed during the years 1895 to 1897 by C.E.Kempe, M.A. of Pembroke College, Oxford.  
     
  Window (W7) on the East wall of the North aisle, of stained glass, designed by Hugh B. Powell contains no heraldry, but his brief required him to incorporate holly, ivy, mistletoe and a labrador dog in the design, completed 1969. It is in memory of Clare Gwendoline Bridgman, Marchioness of Tavistock, died 1st September, 1945, first wife of John Robert, 13th Duke of Bedford.  
     
  The East window (W8) is dedicated to the 9th Duke and Duchess, erected by their surviving children in 1897 and was also designed by C.E.Kempe. Their arms are also depicted in the carved stone achievement, externally on the West gable wall, and a monument (M8) was erected by the Duchess in 1892 to the 9th Duke.  
     
  Window (W9), South wall of the Chancel is a three light plain glass window.  
     
  W1 WILLIAM, LORD RUSSELL & RACHEL WRIOTHESLEY HIS WIFE  
 
William, Lord Russell, son of the 5th Earl and 1st Duke of Bedford, b. 29th September, 1639, m. 31st July 1669, Rachel, daughter of Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton by Rachel de Ruvigny. Rachel was first married to Lord Vaughan who died in 1667 and two years later she married Lord William Russell. He was beheaded in Lincoln's Inn Fields on 21st July 1683 for his part in the Rye House Plot. She died on 29th September, 1723.

 

The first light (1) bears an inscription dedicated to Wm. Lord Russell and an impaled shield for Wm. and Lady Rachel.

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A

On a shield Russell impaling Wriothesley  
    Russell Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable three escallops Argent.  
    Wriothesley Azure, a cross Or between four falcons close Argent.  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Baron.  
             
    Crest A goat statant Argent facing sinister, armed and unguled Or.  
             
    Supporters Dexter, a lion Gules, and on the sinister an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed and unguled Or langued Gules.  
             
    Motto Che Sara Sara.  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules.  
             
  The centre light (2) shows a figure of Charitas, holding in her left hand a flaming heart and in her right hand an open book showing the crucifix on one page and the words "Majorem Hac Dilectionem Nemo Habet" on the other. The small winged figure beneath carries a tablet and points to the Pelican in her Piety appearing thereon.  
     
  The third light (3) bears an inscription dedicated to Lady Rachel and an impaled shield for her parents.  
     
 

B

On a shield Wriothesley impaling Ruvigny  
    Wriothesley Azure, a cross Or between four falcons close Argent.  
    Ruvigny quarterly      
     

1 & 4

Gules, a chief chequy Argent and Azure  
     

2 & 3

Argent, three mallets Gules, on an escutcheon of pretence, Argent a fess Gules, in chief two martlets Sable and on a dexter canton Sable a battleaxe Argent.  
             
    Helm and coronet of an Earl  
             
    Crest A bull statant Sable, ducally crowned, gorged, chained and unguled Or.  
             
    Supporters Dexter, a lion rampant Or charged on the shoulder with a fret Gules and on the sinister, a bull rampant Sable, ducally crowned, ringed, collared, chained and unguled Or  
             
    Motto Une par tout, tout par une.  
             
    Mantling Or and Azure.  
             

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  W2 GEORGE DIGBY, EARL OF BRISTOL & ANNE RUSSELL, HIS WIFE
EDWARD, EARL OF ORFORD & MARGARET RUSSELL, HIS WIFE
 
             
 
Anne Russell, daughter of 4th Earl of Bedford, b. 1615, d. 26th January, 1696/7, married George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol. He died 24th March 1676/77.

Edward Russell, b. 1652, grandson of 4th Earl of Bedford and nephew of Anne Russell was created Baron Shingay, Viscount Barfleur and Earl of Orford on 7th May, 1697. He married, 12th November, 1691, his cousin, Lady Margaret Russell, youngest daughter of his father's brother, William, 1st Duke of Bedford, d.s.p. 26th November 1727 when the peerage became extinct. She died 1702.

The first light (1) bears an inscription dedicated to Edward Russell, Earl of Orford (this gives his date of death as 1723 at age 74, which is at variance with the Family Tree and Burke's Peerage and Baronetage which gives b. 1652 and d. 26/11/1727) and an impaled shield for Edward and Margaret Russell

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A

On a shield Russell impaling Russell  
    Russell Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable, three escallops Argent.  
             
    Helm and coronet of an Earl.  
             
    Crest A goat statant Argent, facing sinister, armed and unguled Or.  
             
    Supporters Dexter, a lion rampant Gules, and on the sinister, an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed, langued and unguled Or.  
             
    Motto Che Sara Sara  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules.  
             
  The centre light (2) shows a seated figure Fortitudo, clad in armour, sword in one hand and a banner, Argent a cross Gules, in the other; a dragon at her feet. The Book on her knees is open at the words "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might". A small armoured figure beneath with a shield, Argent, a cross Gules.  
             
  The third light (3) contains an inscription to George Digby and Anne Russell (this gives his death as 1678 and hers as 1697, again a slight variation from Family Tree and Burke) and their impaled shield.  
             
 

B

On a shield Digby impaling Russell  
    Digby Azure, a fleur de lys and in chief, a mullet Argent, pierced of the field for difference.  
    Russell As before  
         
    Helm and coronet of an Earl.  
         
    Crest Ostrich with a horseshoe in mouth, all proper  
         
    Supporters Two apes Sable, collared and chained at waist Or  
         
    Motto Deo Non Fortuna  
         
    Mantling Argent and Azure  
         
  PicturePicture  
             
  W3 JOHN, 4th. DUKE OF BEDFORD K.G.  
             
 
John 4th Duke of Bedford, K.G. born 30th September, 1710 d. 15th January, 1771, married firstly, on 11th October, 1731, Diana, daughter of Charles, Earl of Sunderland by Anne, daughter of John Duke of Marlborough. She died 27th September, 1735. Secondly, on 2nd April, 1737, Gertrude Leveson-Gower, daughter of John, 1st Earl Gower by Evelyn, daughter of Evelyn, Duke of Kingston, She died 1st July, 1794. Picture
 
             
  The first light (1) bears an inscription dedicated to John Russell.  
             
 

A

On a shield, the Arms of Russell encircled by the Garter  
      Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable three escallops Argent.  
             
  The centre light (2) shows the figure of Consilium, the left hand holding a banner showing two maces crossed, the right hand holding a pen and resting upon three books. The small figure beneath bears an open book, with another open book at the feet.  
             
  The third light (3) also bears an inscription to John Russell and an impaled shield for John and his two wives.  
             
 

B

On a shield Russell impaling per fess, in chief Spencer for his first wife and in base Leveson-Gower for his second wife.  
    Russell As before      
    Spencer Quarterly Argent and Gules, in 2nd and 3rd quarters a fret Or, overall on a bend Sable, three escallops Argent  
    Leveson-Gower (ancient Earls of Sutherland)  
      Quarterly      
   

1 & 4

Gower Barry of eight Or and Gules, a cross patonce Sable.
Note Should be Argent and Gules.
 
   

2

Leveson Azure, three laurel leaves Or  
   

3

Sutherland Gules, three mullets Or within a bordure Or charged with a double tressure flory counter flory of the field.  
     
  Both shields A and B in lights 1 and 3  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Duke.  
             
    Crest A goat statant Argent, armed and unguled Or, facing to the sinister in light 1 and to the dexter in light 3.  
             
    Supporters Dexter, a lion rampant Gules and on the sinister an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed, langued and unguled Or.  
             
    Motto Che Sara Sara.  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules  
             
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  W4 FRANCIS, MARQUESS OF TAVISTOCK & ELIZABETH KEPPEL HIS WIFE
FRANCIS, 5th. DUKE OF BEDFORD, THEIR SON
 
 
Francis Russell, Marquess of Tavistock, born 27th September 1739, killed in a riding accident 22nd March, 1767, married 8th June 1764, Elizabeth Keppel, daughter of William, 2nd Earl of Albemarle - she died 2nd November, 1768 - and their son Francis, 5th Duke of Bedford, born 23rd July, 1765, died unmarried 2nd March, 1802.

 

The first light (1) bears an inscription dedicated to Francis, Marquess of Tavistock and Elizabeth Keppel together with their impaled shield.

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A

On a shield Russell impaling Keppel  
    Russell Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable, three escallops Argent.  
    Keppel Gules, three escallops Argent.  
             
  In the centre window (2) the seated figure of Libertas.   Left hand holds an open book on knee showing the words "Nee Unus Nee Omnes", the right hand holds a balance, a crown being in one scale and a scroll, the "Magna Carta" in the other, representing the equal balance of the prerogative of the crown and the rights of the people. Small figure in armour beneath with banner of Libertas and holding a book "Lex Regia". An eagle is at her feet.  
             
  The third light (3) contains an inscription and armorial bearings of Francis, 5th Duke of Bedford.  
             
 

B

On a shield Russell as before.  
             
  Both shields in A and B in lights 1 and 3.  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Marquess in light 1 and of a Duke in light 3.  
             
    Crest A goat statant Argent, armed and unguled Or facing to the sinister in light 1, and to the dexter in light 3.  
             
    Supporters Dexter a lion Gules  
      Sinister an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed, langued and unguled Or  
             
    Motto   Che Sara Sara  
             
    Mantling   Argent and Gules.  
             
PicturePicture
             
  W5 JOHN, 6th. DUKE OF BEDFORD K.G.  
 
John, 6th Duke of Bedford, born 6th July, 1766, died 20th October, 1839, married firstly, on 21st March, 1786, Georgiana Elizabeth Byng, second daughter of George, 4th Viscount Torrington. She died 10th October, 1801. Secondly, on 23rd June, 1803, Georgiana, fifth daughter of Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon. She died at Nice on 24th February, 1853.

 

The first light (1) bears an inscription to the Duke, and his arms. His birth and death dates are given as 1767 and 1833 respectively, which is at variance with other records.

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A

On a shield Russell encircled by the Garter  
      Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable three escallops Argent.  
             
  The centre light (2) shows a figure of Amor Patriae. A tablet in left hand bears the words "Deliciae Meaw Cum Filiis Hominum". The globe in right hand showing English buildings, ships, and a man reaping corn in the foreground represents commercial development-and agriculture.  
     
  Small figure below, with a scroll bearing the same inscription as on the tablet above and holding the shield of England - Gules, three lions passant gardant Or - and a rose branch with two birds on a twig.  
             
  The third light (3) also bears an inscription and an impaled shield for the Duke and his two wives.  
             
 

B

On a shield Russell impaling per fess, in chief Byng for his first wife and in base Gordon for his second wife.  
             
    Russell As before  
    Byng Quarterly Sable and Argent, in 1st and 4th quarters a lion rampant Argent.
Note Burke states lion in first quarter only.
 
    Gordon Quarterly  
    1 Gordon Azure, three boars heads couped Or  
    2 Badenoch Or, three lions heads erased Gules  
    3 Seton Or, three crescents within a double tressure flory counter flory Gules  
    4 Fraser Azure, three cinquefoils Argent  
             
  Both shields A and B in lights 1 and 3  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Duke  
             
    Crest a goat statant Argent, armed and unguled Or, facing to the sinister in light 1 and to the dexter in light 3.  
             
    Supporters Dexter    a lion Gules  
      Sinister an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed, langued and unguled Or.  
             
    Motto Che Sara Sara.  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules  
             
PicturePicture
             
  W6 FRANCIS, 7th. DUKE OF BEDFORD K.G.  
 
Francis, 7th Duke of Bedford, born 13th May, 1788, died 14th May, 1861, married 8th August, 1808, Anne Marie Stanhope, daughter of Charles, 3rd Earl of Harrington. She died 3rd July, 1857.

 

The first light (1) bears an inscription to the Duke and on a shield the arms of Russell encircled by the Garter.

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A

Russell Argent, a lion rampant Gules, on a chief Sable, three escallops Argent.  
             
  The centre light (2) shows the figure of Justitia. One hand holds a sceptre and a sword; the other holds scales and a book. Small figure has a scroll showing the words "In Silentio et in ape erit Fortitudo Vestra".  
             
  The third light (3) bears the same inscription as in light 1 and an impaled shield for the Duke and Duchess.  
             
 

B

On a shield Russell impaling Stanhope  
      Russell As before  
      Stanhope Quarterly Ermine and Gules, in centre point a crescent on a crescent Argent for difference  
             
  Both shields A and B in lights 1 and 3.  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Duke  
             
    Crest a goat statant Argent, armed and unguled Or, facing to the sinister in light 1 and to the dexter in light 3.  
             
    Supporters Dexter a lion Gules  
      Sinister an heraldic antelope Gules, ducally gorged, chained, armed, langued and unguled Or  
             
    Motto Che Sara Sara  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules  
             
PicturePicture
             
  W7 CLARE GWENDOLINE BRIDGMAN, MARCHIONESS OF TAVISTOCK.  
             
  Window on the East wall of the North aisle, of stained glass, designed by Hugh B. Powell contains no heraldry, but his brief required him to incorporate holly, ivy, mistletoe and a labrador dog in the design, completed 1969. It is in memory of Clare Gwendoline Bridgman, Marchioness of Tavistock, died 1st September, 1945, first wife of John Robert, 13th Duke of Bedford.  
             
  W8 HASTINGS, 9th. DUKE OF BEDFORD K.G.& ELIZABETH SACKVILLE WEST, HIS WIFE  
             
 
Francis Charles Hastings, 9th Duke of Bedford, K.G. born 16th October, 1819 died 14th January, 1891, son of George William Russell by Elizabeth Anne Rawdon; married Lady Elizabeth Sackville West, eldest daughter of 5th Earl de la Warr. She died 22nd April, 1897

 

A five light window showing a framework of architectural design in which appear the figures of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael in the three central lights. Beneath them in the central light are two shields of arms, while other shields are shown suspended from the columns in the side lights. An inscribed tablet in the central light explains the object of the memorial.

 

It was erected in 1897 in memory of the 9th Duke and Duchess of Bedford by their sons and daughters:

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Herbrand, 11th Duke, son Ela Monica Sackville Russell, daughter
Edward Baldwin Malet, son-in-law and his wife
Adeline, widow of Francis, 10th Duke Ermyntrude Sackville (Russell), daughter
 
             
  The first light contains two shields  
             
 

A

Russell For the Duke's father  
        Argent, a lion rampant Gules on a chief Sable, three escallops Argent.  
             
 

B

Hastings Rawdon For the Duke's mother    
Quarterly
   

1 & 4

Hastings Argent, a maunch Sable  
   

2 & 3

Rawdon Argent, a fess between three pheons Sable  
      Note This should be 1 & 4 Rawdon and 2 & 3 Hastings.  
             
  The centre light contains two shields accolee  
             
 

C

Russell As before, encircled by the Garter for the Duke  
 

D

 

Sackville West For the Duchess  
Quarterly
   

1 & 4

West Argent, a fess dancetty Sable  
   

2 & 3

Sackville Quarterly Or and Gules, overall a bend Vair  
             
    Helm and coronet of a Duke  
             
    Crest A goat statant Argent, armed and unguled Or   
             
    Supporters Dexter (in 2nd light) a lion Gules  
      Sinister (in 4th light) an heraldic antelope Gules ducally gorged, chained, armed langued and unguled Or.  
             
    Mantling Argent and Gules  
             
  The fifth light contains two shields  
             
  E West Argent, a fess dancetty Sable  
             
  F Sackville Quarterly Or and Gules, a bend Vair  
             

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