This cup, cover and case are from a set of altar plate which was commissioned for the private chapel of Tyttenhanger House in Hertfordshire in the early 18th century. Sir Henry Pope, founder of Trinity College, Oxford, remodelled the chapel after he bought the house around 1547. His grandson, Sir Thomas Pope-Blount inherited Tyttenhanger in 1697, and it is likely he commissioned the set. This form of communion cup and cover was first employed by the Huguenot goldsmith John Chartier in 1699, only with the addition of "cut-card" work (Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford). The grand scale yet simple style is rare in English church silver of this period and was confined to a small circle of wealthy clergy and families. The set is in exceptionally good condition; the gilding is original and the engraving clear. Its lack of wear reflects how private plate was not used as extensively as that in parish churches. This part communion set, without a flagon, is in almost perfect condition having been kept in its original morocco covered boxes.