Hidden Henley

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Take a walk to Rotherfield Greys and visit the church to be rewarded with the sight of this outstanding tomb which, even as a keen photographer, I have to admit cannot be given justice in a picture. Whether from a religious or secular point of view you do need to look at this for yourself. It’s such an elaborate and detailed memorial, it could be argued to be fit for a cathedral! Six columns plus two decorated pillars support a lavish ceiling with gilded figures on the top. Everything here has been well looked after and is in remarkable condition.

The information available in the church also reveals some surprising history, hinted at in my title:

“Built in 1605…as a monument to Sir Francis and Lady Knollys of Greys Court. The tomb displays their reclining effigies…with a plaster elephant and a wooden swan at their feet. To the right of Lady Knollys lies the effigy of an stillborn child. As “weepers”, seven sons kneel at the base of the tomb and are matched on the other side by seven sisters.”

It goes on: “Lady Knollys…died at Hampton Court Palace while in attendance on Queen Elizabeth I…and was buried in Westminster Abbey. She was chief Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen who was her first cousin since their mothers, Mary and Anne Boleyn, were sisters. A Latin dictionary once owned by Sir Francis Knollys has come to light containing his records of his marriage to Katherine Carey, daughter of Mary Boleyn, and the births of their children. These previously unpublished details strengthen the argument that Katherine was an illegitimate child of Henry VIII, born during his affair with Anne Boleyn’s sister. His handwritten note also reveal his wife’s remarkably successful series of pregnancies; and the birth date of his daughter Lettice – branded a “she-wolf” by Elizabeth I.”