Relhan Collection : 348 Burwell. Monument of Thomas and Alicia Gerard

Relhan, Richard, 1782-1844

Relhan Collection

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>Thomas Gerard (d. 1613) purchased the rectories of Burwell’s 2 churches in 1600, becoming the local lay rector. He was widowed by his wife Alicia, d. 1609. Their daughter Elizabeth married Sir William Russell, treasurer of the navy, and it was presumably with Elizabeth’s encouragement that Russell raised this grand memorial to his parents in law. The Gerards had 10 children, and another Elizabeth, daughter of their eldest son, married Henry, son of Oliver Cromwell. The Gerards were already a powerful family at this time, and connections with the Russells and Cromwells would have increased their influence and points to the continuing importance of Burwell church (66). Known as the Russell Monument, this memorial is described and transcribed by Cole, in whose time it was in an undamaged condition, less worn and with bright colour ‘<i>This is a noble monument both gilt and painted’</i>. It is painted clunch, with the couple kneeling beneath double arches, and there is an entablature with obelisks and strapwork enclosing an achievement of arms for Gerard impaling Elliot. Relhan shows bright gilt and vermilion on the armour of Thomas, the arches and pillars that surround the pair and the cushions they kneel on. Alicia’s dress has puffed sleeves and a stomacher and looks plain and grey, a proper puritanical outfit but suitably expensive. Thomas is in Greenwich armour, with metal gauntlets and footwear, with spurs. Both wear ruffs. They are kneeling on the cushions, both with hands in prayer. In 2019 the monument is still coloured but rather faded, with some deliberate damage, especially to Alicia’s right arm, which has been removed at the shoulder.</p><p>Palmer 1932; RCHME 1968; VCH 2002</p></p>