Brass Rubbing: Sir John D'Abernon (elder) - Died 1277
An exceptional piece of artwork, this is the original 7' long, 2.5 foot wide beautifully made brass rubbing that was created in early 1972 from St. Mary the Virgin Church in Stoke D'Abernon, Surrey, England. This is the oldest brass rubbing found in that Church.
The D'Abernons came to England as Knights, retainers of the Clare Family, who served William the Conqueror. For their part in the Conquest the Clare's were given lands in Surrey and Sussex some of which they passed on to their followers. The D'Abernons acquired the Manor of Stoke and went to live there, giving the name Stoke D' Abernon. The Lion is the symbol for knights and symbolizes courage. Lords and ladies who could afford brasses usually had a dog representing sport at their feet.
The Brass Rubbing has been professionally framed and has a finished polished wood backing on it. It really is a good, and unusual, piece. Churches have now banned the rubbing of brasses (unless a copy of the brass had been made) but no copy of this brass is available. We won't be seeing too many more of these !
For more information on this wonderful historical piece, see the link below.