02/10/2026
Man's Best Friend 🐾
This lovely drawing was sent to us by Sheena, who imagined Lord Hungerford and his faithful dog reunited after death in a moonlit Cathedral. The artwork was inspired by his tomb in the South Nave Aisle.
Robert, Baron Hungerford, was born at the beginning of the 15th century and married Margaret de Botreaux in 1420. He served in the Hundred Years' War and was summoned to Parliament as a Baron towards the end of his life. It is known that his wife incurred a list of heavy expenses after paying a high ransom to secure the release of their son, Robert, 3rd Baron Hungerford. Robert's effigy on his tomb is adorned with a livery 'SS' collar, a symbol closely associated with the Lancastrian regime.
Following Robert's death in 1459, his wife Margaret commissioned the construction of the family's chantry chapel on the North side of what is now the Trinity Chapel. The chantry was sadly demolished in 1790, and the tomb was relocated to the South Nave Arcade, where it remains today. You can still see fragments of the Hungerford Chantry Chapel’s decorative stonework built into the side and traces of original paint pigment on the effigy. Despite the relocation, his loyal pet has remained by his side and kept watch.
Thanks again to Sheena for sending in her published letter to Country Life magazine as well as the sweet drawing!
