silver, England (London), 1640-41, maker's mark an orb surmounted by a star, flanked by two pellets and annulets, in a plain shield, possibly for Robert Gregory.

Silver flagon with hinged lid, decorative thumb-piece with heart-shaped cut-out, and scroll handle. Coat of arms engraved on body of flagon, hallmarks stamped on drum and lid, and inscription on lid

Lent by St Peter's Church, Petersham

Given to St Peter's Church, Petersham by Elizabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale with a silver-gilt paten of 1663. Elizabeth Murray, Countess of Dysart and Duchess of Lauderdale undertook an extensive programme of modernization at Ham House which was planned from 1671 before her marriage to the Duke. Her husband predeceased her in 1682 and was buried in Scotland in great state at a cost of £5000. The Duchess died at Ham House on 15 June 1698. She was buried very quietly 'carried only by my particular family, in Petersham Church where my honoured mother the Countess of Dysart does lye with three of my sisters and three of my own children'.

Elizabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale was the daughter and heir of William Murray, 1st Earl of Dysart and Catherine Bruce who was descended from Robert Bruce, King of Scotland. She became the Countess of Dysart on her father's death and married firstly Sir Lionel Tollemache, who died in 1668. In 1671 she remarried John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale, Knight of the Garter. She inherited Ham House from her father and died there in 1697. She was buried at Petersham Church.

A silver tankard with spreading base and flat lid, London, 1640-41, with the maker's mark in a plain shield, a mullet above an escallop between pellets and annulets, was presented to St Peter's, Petersham by Elizabeth, Countess of Dysart and Duchess of Lauderdale and engraved with the donor's coat of arms.

LOAN:ST PETER PETERS.1