Publisher's Synopsis
Westminster Abbey contains a unique and important group of effigies, some familiar, many little-known, including kings, queens, statesmen and national heroes, ranging in time from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. This is both a history of the collection and of the origins and development of the funeral effigy, and a full descriptive catalogue of the 21 effigies in the Abbey.;The last volume on the figures was published over 50 years ago; this one brings together both the medieval wood effigies and the late wax figures dressed in contemporary clothing. The death mask of Edward III dates back to the beginnings of portraiture in medieval Europe; other examples include Henry VII, Charles II, Pitt and Nelson.;The collection is also remarkable for its rare historical costumes, including Charles II's garter robes, Nelson's hat, Georgian paste jewellery, rare early silks, shoes, and probably the oldest stuffed bird in England. Some objects appear here for the first time since their restoration after damage in the last war. An account of this restoration is included.
