90 NOTES TO THE PEDIGREE OF THE STRELLEYS. 



homestead of Strelley alone remained to his younger brother Sir 

 Nicholas. 



This diminution of the family estates, through their division 

 amongst these four co-heiresses, marks the commencement of the 

 decline of the prestige of this ancient family, and regret can only 

 be felt at the inevitable. 



Above the tomb, in the centre of the canopy, is a representation 

 of the Deity, holding in His lap the souls of the children, six in 

 number. On His right, on another pinnacle, stands the efiSgy of 

 S. John Baptist pointing to the Holy Lamb, supported on his left 

 arm. On the left hand of the central figure stands S. John, the 

 beloved disciple, with chalice and serpent issuing therefrom, the 

 left hand making the sacred sign over them. On the arch, or 

 lintel, beneath the canopy are four shields, viz. ; 



1. Strelley (paly of 6, argetit and azure) impaling the arms 

 of Kemp (his mother's family), 3 garbs of wheat. 



2. Strelly, impaling Willoughby — the arms of his own and 

 his wife's family — the latter ' Or, on two bars gules, 3 water 

 bougets argent.' This shield also occurs in a window in 

 the North aisle. 



3. Strelly impaling ' a lion rampant langued,' perhaps for 

 Pierpoint, but, if so, the semet^ of cinquefoils charging the 

 ground (probably painted) have disappeared. 



4. Strelley impaling ' a bend between 6 cross crosslets.' 



The effigy of the husband has long flowing hair, the head resting 

 on his crested helm : mantling and crest very fine : a double 

 chain round the neck : large shield-shaped plate attached to the 

 taces, beneath which is seen a deep fringe of mail : the sabbatons 

 of four laminae rest on a well sculptured lion. 



The effigy of the lady shows a plain folded hood, round over the 

 forehead : collar with jewelled pendants round the border : mantle 

 secured with cords over the breast. An ornate belt with buckle 

 and pendant appear through an opening in the dress, which I can 

 only describe as a bibbed kirtle. 



Seated on the lion's back, beneath each foot is a diminutive 

 ' weeper ' : head reclining on right hand : each holding a rosary in 



