Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Silent Stories#12

The effigy of Sir John de Montacute, 1st Baron Montagu, is a remarkable medieval sandstone funerary monument located in Wiltshire, England.

Key Features of the Effigy

  • Design: It consists of a recumbent, highly detailed stone sculpture of a knight, resting atop a tomb chest decorated with tracery.

  • Attitude: Sir John is depicted lying face upwards, with his hands clasped together in the traditional pose of prayer.

  • Armour and Costume: He is dressed in full medieval armour typical of a knight of the period.

  • Unique Details: The monument is particularly notable for its representation of distinctive medieval armour details, including spiral lacing.

Context of the Monument

Sir John de Montacute was a prominent English nobleman and a loyal servant of King Edward III. He was associated with the military campaigns of the period, including the Siege of Calais. Although he died in 1390, the monument itself is believed to date from around the late 14th century. Detailed studies and illustrations of the effigy are preserved in historical records, including prints held by the British Museum.



The answer to my previous post's little mystery.

Mystery revealed! 

Here's a wider view showing where it is.
A few of you came very close with your guesses.

The mystery photo was taken looking up at the decorative installation hanging in the atrium of Hotel Palma Kotor in Montenegro. From directly underneath, it creates an interesting optical illusion and almost looks like a giant wheel or umbrella.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing!

53 comments:

  1. It's so interesting how different those installations look when you compare the close ups to them taken further away.
    The effigy is very interesting. It's amazing that it's so old.

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  2. Oh my goodness that was just BEAUTIFUL! And the effigy (copied from Mari) was interesting.

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  3. That's a lovely hotel. The effigy of Sir John de Montacute for sure is unique.

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  4. Interesting to see the effigy-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com

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  5. It’s amazing how much context changes perspective! Thanks for sharing the reveal and the fascinating history behind the effigy!

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  6. Thanks for sharing and happy Thursday! 🌈

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  7. I noticed that the effigy of Sir John has his feet up on a lion head...
    Great atrium !
    Have a nice day !
    Anna

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  8. It's remarkable how much care went into the detail of the armour and the craftsmanship of this monument. And I was almost right with my guess about the decorative installation!

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  9. Complimenti, sei stata brava.
    Buona giornata.

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  10. That is really neat that they put such detail into the statue. What a lovely atrium.

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  11. Interesting effigy of Sir John and I haven't seen it before, my first time and it's so intriguing.

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  12. He looks as stiff as a board!

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  13. Perspective is everything, Veronica. Thanks for giving us the answer. The effigy is interesting, too.

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  14. Bellissimo !! Un edificio moderno ed elegante : Saluti.

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  15. It was a decorative installation hanging in the hall. Thank you for your answer.

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  16. Hello Veronica,
    I think the photo of Sir John de Montacute’s tomb monument is beautiful.
    The decor in the hall is also very lovely, I initially thought it was part of a lamp.
    All the best, Irma

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  17. Java Bean: "Ayyy, look at that polished hardwood floor! Our Dada is already plotting how he and Mama could Viennese waltz along it!"

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  18. The tomb monument is lovely, Veronica. You are very good at finding new subjects for us to guess.

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  19. A beautiful monument. So long ago.

    So that is what that was. I had no clue.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥

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  20. What a grand hotel that is. So clean and spacious. And an interesting monument.

    Happy November! I hope this month brings you lots of goodies.

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  21. That was really interesting such I didn't know a thing about Sir John.

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  22. Eine interessante Figur. Liegen die Füße auf einem Löwenkopf um auf seinen Mut im Kampf hinzuweisen?

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  23. This is an interesting monument to Sir John! The installation at a hotel in Montenegro is quite unusual! I’ve never been there.

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  24. Even an effigy has a great story to tell.

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  25. You always have such awesome pictures to share of places to visit. My wife and I love to travel, but haven't taken a real vacation in several years. Blessings!

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  26. Despite all technological progress, humans have yet to devise a medium more durable than stone. Whatever is carved into it lasts for millennia—unlike anything else.

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  27. I totally got it wrong, so thank you for the reveal! It's lovely!

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  28. Boa noite minha querida amiga Veronica. A Casa Pacheco Leão, passou por uma reforma maravilhosa. Tenho certeza, que na Malásia, possui centros culturais maravilhosos. Infelizmente, nunca saí do Brasil. Suas fotos ficaram maravilhosas e obrigado pelas explicações detalhadas. Uma excelente noite de sexta-feira, para você e todos os seus familiares no Malásia e um grande abraço do seu amigo carioca.

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  29. I think history is just 100% fascinating, always something new to learn, have a nice weekend.

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  30. A beautiful monument with a story. Stories are everywhere.

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  31. The monument is impressive.

    Thanks for solving the riddle. A great installation.

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  32. I am sorry I missed your earlier post. This is an impressive building and a very interesting part of history.

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  33. Love your information about the sandstone monument and that riddle looks fun

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  34. Hello Veronica, this post is very interesting—as is always the case with your posts!
    The tomb monument of the knight and nobleman Sir John is remarkable, especially considering how very old it is!
    I have seen many such monuments in the crypts at Wawel Castle in Krakow.
    Sending you my best regards and wishing you a wonderful weekend—hugs!

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  35. A beautifil monument with an interesting story. 😘

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  36. Ich hätte es nicht erraten. LG aus Wien

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  37. The photo of Sir John de Montacute’s tomb is very interesting.
    Thank you for the information provided about the monument.

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  38. Oh ! Well done all you clever ones that guessed what it was ! These monuments are fascinating. I love the Lion at his feet . I guess it means he was a fierce warrior .

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  39. That really is amazing! It's so great that you share your beautiful photos and make it fun! Hugs, Diane

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  40. What an interesting way to decorate the atrium of Hotel Palma Kotor. Like huge wire hats with floppy brims hung upside down at different heights. Very original and beautiful. The effigy of Sir John de Montacute is very solemn with his feet resting on a lion.

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