button to main menu  Gents Mag 1849 part 2 p.251

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Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 2 p.251
was the bearer of these arms, which likewise to them by just descent and prerogative are duly received, unto which no crest or cognizance is known properly to belong, as unto many ancient coats of arms there be none - have therefore required me, the said Clarencieulx King of Arms, to assign unto their ancient arms not only a crest, but such difference of the crests, as also a difference in the arms of Miles Philipson, younger brother as aforesaid to Rowland, which mey be meet and lawful to be borne without prejudice or offence to any other person or persons. In consideration whereof, and at their instant request, I, the said Clarencieulx King of Arms, by virtue of my office, and by the powers and authority to me committed by letters patent under the great seal of England, have assigned, given, and granted unto the said Rowland Philipson, alias Therlwall, his ancient arms, being, Gules, and a chevron between three boars' heads coupey, ermine, tusked d'or; and for his crest or cognizance, upon the helme five ostrich feathers, three argent, two gules, set in a crown mural d'or. And to Miles Philipson, alias Therlwall, younger brother to the said Rowland, the same coat of arms with a border gold, the crest to the same coat as the other crest, differing only in the feathers, - that is to say, three gules and two feathers argent, mantled gules, doubled or, lined whyte; which arms and crests or cognizances, and every part and parcel of theem, I the said Clarencieulx King of Arms do by these presents ratify, confirm, give, and grant unto the said Rowland Philipson and Miles his brother, gentlemen, and to their issue and posterity for ever, they and every one of them; the same to have, hold, use, bear, enjoy, and show forth, at all times and for ever hereafter at their liberty and pleasure, with the distinctions and differences due, according to the laudable custom and usage of bearing arms, without impediment, let, or interruption of any person or persons. In witness," &c.
"18 May, 1581."
Besides their other large estates, the Philipson owned the rocky islet in Windermere, called Saint Mary's or the Ladyes Holme, hitherto reputed to have formed part of the conventual domains of the abbey at Furness, and to have had its name from a chantry or small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was existing so late as the reign of King Henry VIII. When at the Reformation all such minor institutions were swept away as superstituious, and the attendant priests driven forth, the building fell into so utter a state of ruin that no trace even of its foundations is left to procalim to the stranger who meditates upon the fleeting change of times and creeds that here in former ages stood a hallowed fane, from whence at eventide and prime unceasingly, for more than three centuries, "the hymn of intercession rose, and prayers were wafted through the dewy air," where now are only heard the festal sounds of life's more jocund hours. Lately renewed antiquarian investigation has however disclosed the erroneousness of the generally received statement respecting early ownership of this tiny spot. In vol.xxxii fo. 23, of that celebrated collection of ancient evidences gathered by the untiring perseverance of the profound antiquary Roger Dodsworth, now in the Bodleian library, there is contained an inquisition, or the copy of one, found at Kendal, so far back as the Monday after the Feast of the Annunciation, in the 28th year of King Edward III.; which explanatory document shews that this retreat amid the waters of our English Como appertained not to Furness Abbey, but to the house of Segden, in Scotland, which was bound always to provide two resident chaplains for the service of Our Ladyes Chapel in this island solitude. For the maintenance and support of these priests certain lands and tenements were given by the founder, who most probably was that Ingelram de Guisnes, Lord of Coucy, in France, who, in the thriteenth century, married Christain, the heiress of William de Lyndsey, and in her right became the feudal lord of that portion of the barony of Kendal called the Richmond Fee, within which lies Saint Mary's Holme.
The Philipsons were lords also of the large island in the centre of the lake, opposite to Bowness; which, with its stately trees and splendid prospects, entrancing the eye with their exquisite loveliness, is such an earthly paradise. No fairer scene in truth can be met with throughout the broad realm of England than this lovely and elegant retirement. In looking on it one feels it scarcely possible to suppose that the aspect of so much bright tranquillity could ever have been disturbed by the clangor of war and sounds of deadly
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