Le Strange Family Burial Locations
Le Strange Family
Burial Sites, Inscriptions & Monument Lists
Church of St. Mary The Virgin, Hunstanton, Norfolk
A collection of le Strange Family Tombs and Monuments exist at the Church of St. Mary The Virgin, Old Hunstanton, dating back to 14th Century. These may include the unnamed ogee tomb recess at the high alter.
As the Family records date back to 1086 it is evident that some of the oldest Family burial sites remain unknown. However, there is a good explanation for this; they could be situated elsewhere in Shropshire as we will see next.
Haughmond Abbey, Shrewsbury, and The Earliest Family Burials
At the very beginning of King Henry II’s reign, the early le Strange Family Knights relocated to Shropshire’s Frontline, where their duties as Marcher Families were carried out. This was a time of expansion when their links between Old Hunstanton Church and Haughmond Abbey in Shropshire, had to be established.
1086 - 1179
In 1086, Hunstanton Church was already a “church without land” on the land of John (Nephew of Waleran fitz Ralph). Probably it was a small un-consecrated manorial chapel ie. without any burials, so they would probably not be found there in the very early days.
Ancestor Ralph of Hunstanton (Ralph fitz Herluin) was the neighbouring land holder at the time, and each held land there independently of one another. Ralph owned the most valuable portion of the 3 other individuals - other than the King! - however it appears that the other man had the land with the Church.
Today, it is the direct descendants of Ralph who continue the legacy and historical connection with the Hunstanton Church.
Early relics belonging to the old Church of St. Mary, include an unnamed stone coffin lid believed to be of 11th-12th Century origin. Today, the Church sits within the le Strange Estate and it is possible that the Coffin belonged to a prominent supporter of the Church any time between the 10th-12th century.
The piscina, and the Norman font, are also early relics which will have witnessed many Family gatherings from 11th century upto modern day.
It was way back in 1172, when the Marcher (son of Roland) John le Strange [I] as Canon - gave the patronage of the Church of St. Mary, Hunstanton to Haughmond Abbey, Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Thus making this Shropshire Abbey responsible for the Church at Hunstanton. The King later approved this in a Charter of 1176 upon his arrival at Shrewsbury town.
With the church at Old Hunstanton being placed under the control of Haughmond Abbey very early on, it would ensure that the Church of St. Mary was well supported during the era when the Family were away.
Also in that year of 1172, John le Strange had actively granted 3 other lands to Haughmond Abbey. A final one was made in 1177, about a year before he passed away at the close of 1178 or early 1179. The Abbey precedence meant that John’s gifts would automatically earn his right to be buried at Haughmond Abbey, which he would have been well aware of.
So we can view his gifts as an intention to earn burial rights at Haughmond Abbey, which will have been suitable for a man of his status.
Haughmond Abbey, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Haughmond Abbey located just outside Shrewsbury Town, was founded by John [I]le Strange’s great friend William fitz Alan about 1120-1130. John had witnessed William’s grant to the Abbey before 1138 when the Abbey was being established. The full original burial roll of Haughmond Abbey has not survived, so we have no evidence of le Strange burials there, however monastic precedent together with evidence of the Family grants to it, make the early Family interments at Haughmond Abbey highly probable.
A few unnamed tombs have existed among the ruins since Henry VIII’s dissolution of Monasteries.
Suffice to say, as major Patrons and Benefactors of Haughmond Abbey several generations of the Family burial rights were earnt in this way. Great-Grandson of John [I], John [IV] le Strange of Knockin in 1269-1275 granted land along the eastern boundary of Hunstanton Churchyard to a small holder called William of Sedgeford. This John [IV] le Strange was married to Joan Somery, and was Patron of Hunstanton at the time of this grant.
The le Stranges aided the expansion of Haughmond Abbey whilst there was a more important Abbey in the Town of Shrewsbury - aptly name Shrewsbury Abbey! This one proved to be reserved for the most prestigious burial choices for the highest ranking members of Nobility, making Haughmond Abbey an ideal choice for domestic Families such as the le Stranges.
Hunstanton Missing Tombs
It is here that the younger branch of the 14th Century le Strange Family began some important re-building projects after 1310. Not least, between the years 1506 to 1643 is gap of 137 years of missing burials. The gap covers two important historical events, when Protestantism took over from Catholic faith under Henry VIII. Burial style was kept simple during that era, and while grave destruction was also a issue, destruction filtered through into the 1640’s English Civil War. Further major floor renovations during the 19th Century mean that one can only speculate over why 3 generations of burials appear to be missing.
Later Burials
Henry Styleman le Strange (d.1862) had outlined ambitions to build a family burial vault, however, due to his early demise remained unfulfilled, so the later members of the le Strange Family are buried in the Family plot outside instead.
LE STRANGE BURIALS, INSCRIPTIONS & MONUMENT LIST
CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, OLD HUNSTANTON
NORTH WALL OF CHANCEL
1300s
Sir Hamon Le Strange 1317 (Ogee headed recess is possibly his burial site)
1400s
1485: Sir Henry Le Strange PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF HENRY LE STRANGE, ARMIGER, AND KATHERINE DRURY HIS WIFE, FOR HEIR BENEFACTORS AND FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, WHICH HENRY DIED ON TEH 25TH NOVEMBER AD 1485, TO WHOSE SOULS MAY GOD SHOW FAVOUR, AMEN
1500s
1545: Sir Thomas le Strange, Esq. to the Body Henry VIII (missing grave)
1506: Sir Roger Le Strange (Esq. to Body Henry VIII) (missing)
1600s
1643: Dame Anne Le Strange
1647: Anne Le Strange (child)
1653: Sir Hamon Le Strange
1655: Sir Nicholas Le Strange
1656: Dame Alice Le Strange
1661: Dame Mary Le Strange & daughter Anne
1669: Sir Nicholas Le Strange (younger)
1692: Jemina Le Strange
1698: Sir Henry L’Estrange
1698: Charles Le Strange
1700s
1718: Dame Mary L’Estrange
1742: Dame Ann L’Estrange
1751: Sir Thomas L’Estrange
1760: Sir Henry L’Estrange
Le Strange Graves & Their Inscriptions
ALTAR
Coat of Arms (copper plate):
IN TERRIS REREGRINUS ERA NUNC INCOBA COELI IN HEAVEN AT HOME O BLESSED CHANGE WHO WHILE I WAS ON EARTH WAS STRANGE (Sir Hamon le Strange d.1654) [On earth I was a stranger, now in heaven at home. O blessed change, For while I was on earth, all was strange.]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LIETH INTERD THE BODY OF DAME ALICE LE STRANGE THE WIFE OF SIR HAMON LE STRANGE KNᵗ WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE XVIII DAY OF NOVEMBER 1656 AGED 71 YEARES MANY DAUGHTERS HAVE DONE VERTUOUSLY, BUT THOU EXCELLEST THEM ALL [Here lies buried the body of Dame Alice Le Strange, the wife of Sir Hamon Le Strange, Knight, who departed this life on the 18th day of November 1656, aged 71 years. Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excelled them all.]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LYETH YE BODY OF Sʳ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE BARᵗ YE ²ᴺᴰ SONNE OF Sʳ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE BARᵗ WHO DEPARTED THIS LYFE ON YE 13 DAY OF DESEMBER ANNO DEI 1669 AETATIS SUAE 37 [Here lies the body of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Baronet, the second son of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Baronet, who departed this life on the 13th day of December 1669, aged 37]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LIETH INTERED THE BODY OF DAME MARY LE STRANGE WIFE OF SR. NICHOLAS LE STRANGE BARᵀ WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE TENTH DAY OF DECEMBER 1661 BEING AGED 23 YEARES WITH THE BODY OF ANNE LE STRANGE THEIR DAUGHTER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY 1661 AGED TWO YEARES [Here lies interred the body of Dame Mary Le Strange, wife of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Baronet, who departed this life the 10th day of December 1661, aged 23 years, together with the body of Anne Le Strange, their daughter, who departed this life the last day of January 1661, aged 2 years]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LYETH INTERRED THE BODY OF Sʳ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE BARONETT, ELDEST SONNE OF Sʳ HAMON LE STRANGE KNIGHT, WHO DYED JULY YE 28ᵀᴴ 1655 AGED 52 YEARES [Here lies interred the body of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Baronet, eldest son of Sir Hamon Le Strange, Knight, who died July 28th, 1655, aged 52 years]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LYETH INTERRED THE BODY OF Sʳ HAMON LE STRANGE BARONETT, ELDIST SONN OF Sʳ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE WHO DYED THE 15ᵀᴴ OF FEBRUARY 1653 AGED 24 YEARES [Here lies interred the body of Sir Hamon Le Strange, Baronet, eldest son of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, who died the 15th of February 1653, aged 24 years]
Stone Shield (inset):
HERE LYETH INTERRED THE BODY OF DAME ANNE LE STRANGE THE WIFE OF Sʳ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE KNᵀ AND DAUGHTER OF Sʳ EDWARD LEWKENOR WHO DEPARTED THIS LYFE THE 15ᵀᴴ DAY OF JULY IN THE YEARE OF OUR LORD 1643 AGED 51 YEARS [Here lies interred the body of Dame Anne Le Strange, the wife of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Knight, and daughter of Sir Edward Lewkenor, who departed this life the 15th day of July in the year of our Lord 1643, aged 51 years]
CHOIR NEAREST THE ALTAR
ANNE LE STRANGE YEᵂ DAUGHTER OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE WHO WAS BURIED YE 10ᵀᴴ DAY OF JUNE 1647 AGED 2 YEARS HERE LIETH INT’RED THE BODY OF CHARLES LE GARD ESQ WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE XXIIIᵀᴴ OF OCTOBER 1661 [Anne Le Strange, the daughter of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, who was buried the 10th day of June 1647, aged 2 years]
CHARLES LE STRANGE THE 7ᵀᴴ SONN OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS LESTRANGE BARᵀ AND DAME ANN HIS WIFE BORN YE 3ᴿᴰ OF APRIL 1647 DYED YE 25ᵀᴴ OF AUG 1698 [Charles le Strange the 7th son of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, Baronet, and Dame Ann his wife, born April 3rd, 1647, died August 25th, 1698]
SUSANNA L ESTRANGE THE 4ᵀᴴ DAUGHTER OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS LESTRANGE AND DAME ANN HIS WIFE BORN THE 19ᵀᴴ OF JANUARY [Susanna Le Strange, the 4th daughter of Sir Nicholas Le Strange and Dame Ann his wife, born January 19th (year not given)]
JEMINA L ESTRANGE THE 2ᴺᴰ DAUGHTER OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE AND DAME ANN HIS WIFE BORN THE 25ᵀᴴ OF MARCH [Jemina Le Strange, the 2nd daughter of Sir Nicholas Le Strange and Dame Ann his wife, born March 25th (year not given), born again noted as April 17th, 1690, died October 22nd, 1692]
JOHN LESTRANGE THE 5ᵀᴴ SON OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS LE STRANGE AND DAME ANN HIS WIFE [John Le Strange,
the 5th son of Sir Nicholas Le Strange and Dame Ann his wife]
CENTRE OF CHOIR
HERE LYETH THE BODY OF SIR ROGER LE STRANGE KNIGHT OF THE BATH AND ESQUIRE OF THE BODY TO KING HENRY VII BORN 24ᵀᴴ OCT 1468 DIED 25ᵀᴴ OCT 1506 (The altar tomb of Sir Roger is now in the north aisle; it was removed from this spot in the 1880s) [Here lies the body of Sir Roger Le Strange, Knight of the Bath and Esquire of the Body to King Henry VII. Born October 24th, 1468, died October 25th, 1506]
DAME MARY L’ESTRANGE RELICT OF SIR HENRY L’ESTRANGE BARᵀ AND DAUGHTER OF THE HONOURABLE ROGER NORTH ESQʳ OF ROUGHAM IN THIS COUNTY DIED NOVʳ 6ᵀᴴ 1718 AGED 81 [Dame Mary L’Estrange, widow of Sir Henry L’Estrange, Baronet, and daughter of the Honourable Roger North, Esquire, of Rougham in this county. Died November 6th, 1718, aged 81]
Stone Shield:
HERE LYETH THE BODY OF DAME ANN L’ESTRANGE WIFE OF Sʳ THOMAS L’ESTRANGE BARᵀ Dᵀ OF SIR CHRISTOPHER CALTHROP KNᵀ OF THE MOST HONᵀ ORDER OF THE BATH WHO WAS BORN AUGᵀ 13ᵀᴴ 1663 AND DYED FEBʳ 4ᵀᴴ 1742 [Here lies the body of Dame Ann L’Estrange, wife of Sir Thomas L’Estrange, Baronet, daughter of Sir Christopher Calthrop, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. She was born August 13th, 1663, and died February 4th, 1742]
Stone Shield:
SIR HENRY L’ESTRANGE BARONET FOURTH SON OF Sᵣ NICHOLAS AND DAME ANN BORN 10 DECEMBER 1698 DIED 3 SEPTEMBER 1760 [Sir Henry L’Estrange, Baronet, fourth son of Sir Nicholas and Dame Ann, born December 10th, 1698, died September 3rd, 1760]
Stone Shield:
SIR THOMAS L’ESTRANGE BARONET BORN 30 MARCH 1689 DIED 8 NOVEMBER 1751 SECOND SON OF SIR NICHOLAS AND DAME ANN WHO WERE BURIED IN THE CHANCEL OF GRESSENHALL CHURCH IN THE COUNTY OF NORFOLK [Sir Thomas L’Estrange, Baronet, born March 30th, 1689, died November 8th, 1751, second son of Sir Nicholas and Dame Ann, who were buried in the chancel of Gressenhall Church in the county of Norfolk]
CEMETARY OUTSIDE FAMILY PLOT
Includes 1862: Sir Henry Styleman le Strange and his family
1918: Hamon le Strange (son of Henry)
1993: Hamon le Strange (ashes of) (son of Austin le Strange)