Finding myself in Winchester last week, I headed to the Cathedral. I knew that Piers' father, Arnaud de Gabaston, was buried there, and thanks to Brad Verity, I knew what it looked like. Unfortunately, there is no plaque or information post next to the tomb - nothing to identify it as Arnaud. I asked a guide there about the tomb, and he seemed very surprised that I knew about it, as he explained to me later that no-one 'ever asks about it'. Amazingly, it was right behind me as I asked! The guide told me it had been moved from it's original place but that it was 'intact'. A lot of the tombs had been opened during the Reformation and by those pesky Victorians, who have an awful lot to answer for! Nearly all the other tombs with effigies were of former bishops of Winchester and other clergy, so it was quite a surprise to see Arnaud's tomb. It may be that other tombs of knights etc had been removed - I don't know enough about the history of the Cathedral. Here are some of my photos.
The latter picture if a close-up of the shield Arnaud is holding. For more on Arnaud de Gabaston and Piers' family, Kathryn has just posted her latest research on her blog.
http://edwardthesecond.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/piers-gavestons-family-and-age.html
12 comments:
Oooh, there he is, yay! :) :) I'm so glad you saw him. I'll add a link to the post on mine!
That's very kind of you - thanks. Such a shame the tomb has no identification .
Forgot to say thanks for the link to my Piers post! Yes, it's a real shame that Arnaud's tomb has no identification - a lot of people have heard of Piers and might be interested to see his father there.
Didn't know that, even though I've been to Winchester many times. Must make the effort to find it on my next visit. Thank you for the tip.
Hi Bryan. The big clue is that most of the tombs are clergymen - Arnaud was the only knight I could find. The guides will be only too happy to help. I'd been to Winchester before - years ago - and never knew. It definitely needs an information plaque next to it.
I was there myself yesterday and took some piccies. It's a shame the there is no information panel or something to provide some background.
Well I did go into the cathedral two days ago and resolved to look out for the tomb. I realised that I had seen it before but not "seen" it, if that makes sense. As you noted nobody has bothered to mark it or attach any significance to it at all.
By the way, the mortuary chests containing the bones of ancient kings have been removed. The cathedral are being very tight-lipped about it but I suspect that some testing may be in process and in a year or two we may hear something.
Visited this ancestor's tomb today. In the gift shop a book about the cathedral said the original side of the tomb with his costs of arms had been removed and were in the Guardian Angel Chapel Can't see how to post the photos
So you are a descendant of the Gaveston family? Fabulous!
Was there today. I spotted the tomb of a Medieval knight looking a little unloved in the corner and asked a guide who it was. She seemed surprised that I knew who Piers Gaveston was, but have me a little more information on Arnaud.
The effigy has crossed legs, meaning that Arnaud had been on crusade. Also, his hand is on his sword, signifying that he died in the King's service. This was most likely putting down a rebellion in Wales. At the feet of the effigy is a small lion, signifying Arnaud's belief in the resurrection. Edward 1 had him buried in Winchester with full honours, in a golden sash.
Originally there was an angel on each corner but these have disappeared over the ages. The effigy would also have been painted in bright colours.
Here’s another photo, the light wasn't great.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/syMBticmw3Ronawr6
Thank you for your comment and details. Odd to think Arnaud's tomb survives but not Piers.
My 22 x Great Grandfather. Thank you for this.
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