Photo courtesy of David Ross-Hamilton

THE HATCHMENT IN THE VESTRY

Hidden away in the church vestry, and somewhat in need of restoration, is a seventh hatchment.

It is believed to be the hatchment of Caroline Duncan nee Mylne, born 18th October 1775, died 18th April 1844. Her husband, Col William Duncan, died 1830 in London., and she died at Hill House, Taplow 1844 and is buried with her husband at Hitcham.

DEXTER : "Gules a chevron between in chief two cinquefoils and in base a bugle horn stringed or" (Duncan)

SINISTER : "Or a cross potent (actually fleury) quarter pierced azure between three molets (pierced?) argent" (Milne)

MOTTO : “In Coelo Quies” In heavenly peace - a prayer rather than a family motto.

A MISSING HATCHMENT

In Lipscomb’s book of Buckinghamshire of 1847 he describes the following additional eighth hatchment at Hitcham.

“AZURE, A POUTER PIGEON PROPER IMPALING A LION RAMPANT OR CROWNED PROPER”

The shield below gives some idea of what it could have looked like, but who it was made for or where it has gone is a complete mystery.

Note that “Vert a lion rampant or” would suggest a link to the Walpoles who used this device in honour of their ancestor Amy Robsart.