In the church of All Saints, Carshalton, now part of South London, can be found the charming 15th century brass of Margaret Gaynesford nee Sidney, her husband Nicholas and their various children. Due to the brass being attached to the wall and not the floor, as is usually the case, it has still retained much of its original enamelling including Margaret’s vivid red gown.
Both Margaret and her husband Nicolas served Queen Elizabeth Wydeville in various capacities including Margaret as one of the queen’s Gentlewoman. There is much information can be found about Nicholas Gaynesford and his career, he being another one who changed sides when the need arose – including taking part in Buckingham’s rebellion, October 1483, although Richard III later pardoned him – but I would like to focus here on this wonderful brass.
Margaret kneels in front of a prie-dieu, prayer book open, the folds of her red gown draped gracefully around her feet.
Margaret is depicted in front of a prie-dieu, wearing a collar of suns and roses, and a butterfly headdress. The empty matrix for four now missing daughters is behind her although the small brasses depicting her four sons have survived. A brass of the Trinity , which the family are adoring, is also missing.
Nicholas who died about 1498 is shown in armour.
What Margaret’s thoughts were regarding the shenanigans and the ups and downs of Elizabeth’s turbulent life – how much did she know? – what did she think about Elizabeth’s ‘retirement to Bermondsey’ ?- are sadly unrecorded. However she lived long enough to see Elizabeth’s daughter crowned in 1487, with both her and Nicholas attending, with Nicholas serving Elizabeth of York in the post of Usher of the King’s Consort.
The church of All Saints, Carshalton. Photo @Colin Castledine
The tomb with the brass fitted on the wall above.
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