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Memorial and Mortuary Rings: Augusta

A very long list might be added of bequests of rings by distinguished persons, but I must be content to notice how the practice has been continued at intervals to the present time. A notable item occurs in the will of Charlotte Augusta Matilda, eldest daughter of George III., and Queen of Wurtemberg, in which she bequeaths to the Princess Augusta, among other costly objects, a ring containing a watch, set with brilliants. Rings were formerly given to attendants at funerals; an extract from the books of the Ironmongers' Company, dated 1719, states: 'The master acquainted the court that one John Turney, an undertaker for funerals, had lately buried one Mrs. Mason for the Hall, but had refused the master, wardens, and clerk each a ring, &c., according to his agreement, the persons invited being served with gloves, hat-bands. and rings. Ordered: the said undertaker be compelled to perform his agreement as the master and wardens shall direct.' The practice of offering rings at funerals is introduced as an incident in 'Sir Amadace.' In former days widows wore their ring on the thumb as an emblem of widowhood, and the following 'trick' in , connection with it is mentioned in the 'Spectator: '-' It is common enough for a stale virgin to set up a shop in a place where the large thumb-ring, supposed to be given her by her husband, quickly recommends her to some wealthy neighbour, who takes a liking to the jolly widow that would have overlooked the veritable spinster.' Among the most touching episodes in connection with memorial rings is that exhibited in the closing hours of the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, at Fotheringay Castle, just previous to her execution. She distributed the jewels that remained to her among her faithful attendants as tokens of her affection and regard. Among other sad memorials, she desired that a sapphire ring, which she took from her finger, might be conveyed as a mark of grateful acknowledgment to her brave kinsman Lord Claude Hamilton. Concerning this ring, Bishop Burnet says, 'it is carefully preserved as one of the most precious heirlooms of that illustrious family.' Miss Strickland informs us that it is now in the possession of Lord Claude's accomplished representative, the present Duke of Hamilton, 'by whom it was courteously shown to me at Hamilton Palace in 1857. It is a large square sapphire of peculiar beauty, rose-cut in several diamond-points, and set in gold enamelled blue in the curious cinque-cento work of that period.' 6 In the 'Times' (January 2, 1857) is an account of another memorial ring of the last sad hours of Queen Mary at Fotheringay. The letter is signed 'A Constant Reader.' 'There is a lady residing at Broadstairs who is in possession of the identical ring which was worn by Mary, previous to her execution, and given by her to one of her maids of honour as a token of remembrance, and who was afterwards so reduced as to be compelled to sell it for the value of the gold. The engraving is on amber, the usual material for such purposes at that period, and, as you may see from the enclosed impression, is much worn by time. It is supposed that the seal in the late Earl of Buchan's collection was copied from it. This valuable antique was purchased many years ago by a member of the present possessor's family, at the sale of the celebrated antiquary John M'Gowan, of Edinburgh, who considered it a most valuable gem.' A ring memorial was sent by the Countess of Hertford (the great granddaughter of Henry VII., and one of the victims of Queen Elizabeth's jealousy) on her dying bed by the hands of Sir Owen Hopton, of Cockfield Hall, Suffolk: This shall be the last token unto my lord that ever I shall send him. It is the picture of myself.' The ring bore a death's head with an inscription around it: 'while I liveyours.' The Londesborough Collection contains two memorial rings of King Charles I., one of gold, with a table-faced diamond, and two smaller diamonds on each side. On the Memorial rings, Charles I. shank is engraved an elongated skeleton, with cross-bones above the skull, and a spade and pickaxe at the feet upon black enamel. Within is engraved 'C. R., January 30, 1649, Martyr.' The other ring is also of gold, with a square table-faced diamond on an oval face, which opens and reveals beneath a portrait of Charles in enamel. The face of the ring, the back and side portions of the shank are engraved with scroll-work, filled in with black enamel.

Gloria AngZ Emigravit.

IA: the 30.1648 Memorial ring, Charles I.

In the fifteenth day's sale (May II, 1842) at Strawberry Hill (lot 59), 'a truly interesting relic,' as the ring was termed, is recorded to have been bought by Mr. Harvey, of Regent Street, for fifteen guineas. In Horace Walpole's catalogue it is described as one of the only seven mourning-rings given at the burial of Charles I. It has the King's head in miniature behind a death's-head between the letters 'C. R.' The motto is 'Prepared be to follow me.' A present to Horace Walpole from Lady Murray Elliott. 'A long and minute account of a ring,' remarks the late Crofton Croker, with a miniature of Charles I., appeared in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for July 1823. It was then in the possession of the late Captain I. Toup Nicholas, R.N., and he inherited it from the Giffard family. This ring had four diamonds on the top, on lifting up which, a head of King Charles, enamelled on a turquoise, presented itself. The size of the painting does not exceed the fourth part of an inch; the execution is particularly fine, and the likeness excessively faithful. The small part of his Majesty's dress which is visible, appears similar to that in which he is usually represented; and a piece of the ribbon to which the "George" is suspended is discernible; on closing the lid the portrait becomes perfectly hid. Although miniatures of Charles I. are not uncommon, this is particularly valuable from the portrait being concealed, and also from its being supposed to be the smallest of him.' At page 152 of Hulbert's 'History of Salop' is an account of a ring in the possession of the Misses Pigott, of Upton Magna, said to be one of the four presented by Charles I., prior to his execution. It bears a small but beautiful miniature of the royal martyr. Inside the ring and reverse of the portrait is inscribed over a death's-head 'January 30, 1649,' inside of the ring is engraved 'Martyr Populi.' A similar ring to this is in the possession of Mrs. Henderson (formerly Miss Adolphus), of London; and is said to have come to her in the female line, through her mother's family. Charles presented it to Sir Lionel Walden on the morning in which he lost his life. It bears a miniature likeness of the King, set in small brilliants. Inside the ring are the words 'Sic transit gloria mundi.' A ring bearing the same inscription and a miniature of King Charles is in the collection of John Evans, Esq., F.R.S., Vice-President of the Antiquarian Society.