The Armour Archive

I am curious to know more about this Effigy claiming to be of John De Cobham, dated to 1349 (Feels a bit early ).



Are there more pictures out there? I find the gauntlet wrist lames very interesting and would love to see more details of it.

Isn't that Hugh Despenser the Younger? Obit 1326

Looks very much like it. The source where I found the picture must be wrong then I guess.

I suspect the 1348 date might be correct, as there was a protracted battle with his wife to have some of the dismembered remains returned after removal from public display. Isabella and Mortimer wouldn't allow such a monument, and his returned remains were housed in a temporary coffin. Only after Edward III had taken power from his mother and her lover would the spirit of reconciliation allow the monument to be built.

The Tewksbury window of the Younger Despenser (with it's shattered face) has slightly different gauntlets.
Big image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pefkosmad/ ... otostream/

I have seen a number of these gauntlets but the effigy ones are there first I have seen with numerous lames along the cuff. All others have had splints like the glass ones or wisby gauntlets.

I'd say the 1349 dating is spot on. The shape of the bascinet, the vervelles, the arm harness and the gauntlets all fit with contemporary effigies and miniatures from England.

Another fine case where the date of death and the date of the monument are off by decades.