This spectacular monument, in Pevsner’s opinion but I concur, is in the south aisle of St Mary Magdalene in Great Offley, Hertfordshire.
The semi-reclining figure, in wig and fancy dress, is Sir John Spencer who died in 1699. The rather threatening, masculine figure looming over him, taking the knee and making a V sign is, Pevsner says, “a Roman matronly kneeling figure with one hand raised, talking to Sir John”. Poor Sir John, rebuked for eternity by that harridan but lucky me to be a member of The Church Monuments Society – a bargain at £25 a year if you pay by Standing Order. The annual journal alone is worth more.
Today’s visit to Great Offley is a virtual visit although I hope to turn this into reality soon. I like the look of the chancel, added to this medieval church circa 1777. The absence of windows, actually it is lit from above, promises a feast of funerary monuments; Pevsner promises an apse with a draped baldacchino, and the arches are double-chamfered; bliss. The people commemorated in ancient memorials are more real to me than the Sixties bands appended here. The latter, frankly, seem wierd.
I do have insight into my condition and do not expect anyone under the age of sixty to share my funerary monuments fetish; but as I and my friends get older it is realistic to do church visits and pub lunches together. I suggested a not very demanding walk recently and was rebuffed – outside their comfort zone – but maybe they will hike up to Great Offley.
Double-chamfered? Yes please with ice and a slice.