Abergavenny Chronicle

DEATH OF THE MARQUESS OF ABERGAVENNY. We are expressing the heartfelt regret of townspeople and residents in th2 rural district generally in deploring the de-th of the Marquess of Abergavenny, K.G., wuch occurred at Eridge Castle on Sunday afternoon. A week before his death Lord Abergavenny met with a slight accident. He slipped on the stairs at Eridge Castle, after inspecting a number of officers and men of the Lancashire Fusiliers, but it is not believed that the effects of tiie fall in any way hastened his death. The announce- ment came somewhat as a surprise and was received among all classes throughout a very wide district in Monmouthshire and Hereford- shire with feelings of deep sorrow and profound regret. It was not known locally that he was ill, and his last appearance in Abergavenny, only a short time ago, justified the belief that he was likely to live for some years, notwithstanding his advanced age. His lordship had indeed arranged to return to Nevill Hall at the beginning of this week. The Marquess was held in great esteem by the people of the town from which he derived his title, and his residential visits to Nevill Hall gave the utmost pleasure and satisfaction locally, both for personal reasons and for the fact that he gave substantial support to the trade of the town. It is no exaggeration to say that Abergavenny has lost the best friend it ever had, for although nis lordship spent most of his time at his beautiful Sussex seat, he retained to the last a real affection for the town among the hills, and helped forward its interest and prosperity in every possible way. The welfare of the ancient borough was ever a matter of real concern to him, a fact which was mani- fested in many practical ways. FIRST FREEMAN OF THE BOROUGH. I It was due to the efforts and influence of the Marquess that Abergavenny's Charter of In- corporation (which was taken away in the time of William III. for some act of disaffection) was restored to the town. For a long time there had been a desire to see the town raised to its former prestige, but the efforts of the Urban Council were unsuccessful, and it was not until the interest of the Marquess was enlisted that Abergavenny's application was accele.1 to in 1899. It was only fitting that the town should recognise the great services rendere 1 by the Marquess in this connection by making him the first honorary freeman of the borough. The Marquess was elected Charter Mayor, but co-ii(I not see his way to accept the office. However, he agreed to become the first honorary freeman, and the ceremony of presentation took place at Nevill Hall on the 5th of November, 1900. The Marquess in turn presented to the town, at his own expense, the handsome Mayoral chain of office, the design of which he selected himself. It is impossible to relate all that the Marquess has done for the town. Any scheme of public improvement which was suggested to his lordship had hisjready sympathy and practical support. THE LATE MARQUESS OF ABERGAVENNY, K.G. I Through his assistance many improvements were carried out in the interest of the town. He let the Castle and grounds to the Town Council as a recreation ground on generous terms, and this provides a great attraction and brings many visitors to the town. When the Corporation contemplated a very necessary extension to their waterworks undertaking, his lordship readily met them by offering, on very reasonable terms, the land required and the water rights, which have given Abergavenny one of the finest water supplies in the country. His lordship was ever ready to assist local authorities as far as possible in their schemes. It will be remembered that he twice made the Guardians a handsome offer for the present workhouse, which was accepted on the second occasion, He also offered the Guardians a piece of ground in Castle- street for the erection of a children's home. The Marquess was largely responsible for the formation of the local Miniature Rifle Club, and he opened the range. The Abergavenny cricket ground was laid in 1907, and subsequently en- larged and a pavilion erected and bowling green laid through his generosity. His lordship was also a very liberal supporter to Christ Church which he used to attend regularly, and through his practical interest the St. David's Chapel-of- Ease to St. Mary's Church was erected on the Rholben. The Marquess enjoyed the luxury of doing good, and the full tale of his unostentatious generosity will never be told. By his many little nameless acts of kindness and of love his lordship endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact, and though he has gone it may well be said of him that to live in hearts we leave behind is not todie." He has been a generous supporter to the fund for providing Christmas dinners to the poor, and not very long before his death he wrote out a handsome cheque for this object and tor providing a Christmas I tree for the children. He never forgot the workhouse inmates, and delighted their hearts every Christmastide with his kindly gifts. When the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fun 1 was inaugurated he gave ?1,000 to the Central Fund and a handsome subscription to the Local Fund. He was also a most generous supporter of the Victoria Cottage Hospital, and only a year or two ago, without being approached, he cleared off a deficit of over £ 90 on the in- stitution. Beloved by Workpeople and Tenants. It was small wonder that the Marquess was beloved by all his tenants and workpeople, for he was a kindly, not to say indulgent, landlord No one could take a greater interest in the welfare of his tenants and workmen than he did. Warm-hearted and generous to a degree, he recognised and fulfilled, in the fullest sense 01 the word, the duty that he owed to his neighbours and dependents. His supreme pleasure was the happiness and contentment of his tenants and those who were in any way dependant upon him, and among these classes his loss will be especially felt. Though the Marquess had such strong I, political s views, he never imposed his opinions on those in his employ, but gave them full liberty in all matters of belief. Every year his birthday was celebrated at Abergavenny, and In gave a dinner to his workpeople and others. At one time, too, he used to delight to itivife every year local tradesmen in turn to the Tunoridge Wells Agricultural Show, of which he w.s at one tme president, and he paid all their expenses for a stay of three days. His lordship took great interest in military movements since the outbreak of war, and he very often watched with especial interest the operations of the Royal Engineers on his land by the river Usk. He was always very thoughtful for the men on his visits, and took a quantity of tobacco with him for distribution among them on each occasion. His interest in the Cadet movement organised by M2jor Williams was also ve:y keen, and on several occasions he enter- tained the local Cadets at Nevill Hall. One patrol was called the Ne rill patrol, and the boys were proud to regard thems-lves as his lordship's bodyguard. The Marquess was always anxious to improve his estates. Whenever he built cottages they were of a model kind, and there were no housing problems on his property. His lordship was altogether a splendid type of the old nobility which has done so much for rural England—a type which is, unfortunately, fast disappearing. Many Titles to Distinction. The Most Honpurable William Nevill, K.G., Marquess and Earl of Abergavenny county Monmouth, Earl of Lewes in the Unite-I King- dom, Viscount Nevill in Great Britain, and Baron 'Abergavenny in England—a series of titles which involve the history of this ancient family-was the eldest son of William, the fourth Earl of Abergavenny, sometime rector of Birling, Kent, and of Caroline, daughter of the late Ralph Lee^e, of Longford Hall, Shrop- shire. He was born on Sept. 16, 1826, and was therefore in his 90th year. Lord Abergavenny was the senior holder of a Marquisate in the realm. When he attended the Investiture of -,?i t of the Garter the Prince of Wales as Knight of the Garter (June 10, 1911) it was observed that he had linked the age of George V. with that of George IV. Lord Abergavenny had many titles to dis- tinction. He was the owner of an estate in seven counties, said to extend to 50,000 acres in the county from which his title was derivel he was known as the King of Monmouth he was one of the founders of the Junior Carlton Club—to which his life-size portrait was pre- sented by the members—and the actual founder of the Constitutional Club, the largest of Con- servative clubs in the kingdom he was the patron of twenty Church livings as a Nevill, he represented the historic family of Warwick, the King-maker and, of greater conse- quence to the present age, he was one of the most successful organisers his party ever possessed. Ancient Lineage. His lordship's house first appears under the title Bergavenny, or. even Burgeny. It is per- haps worth remarking that in the pronunciation of the modern name of Aberghenny there is a survival of this ancient history. The first Baron Bergavenny was a son of the first Earl of West- morland, and uncle of the historic Earl of Warwick, who fell at the Battle of Barnet. One glowing writer says The noble, ancient, and illustrious family of Nevill, to medieval England what Douglas was to Scotland, was previously Gilbert de Nevill, one of the companions in arms of the Conqueror. His son, Gilbert de Nevill, founded Tupholme Abbey* ante 1168. Richard Nevill, commonly called the King-maker, became possessed of the castle and land of Bergavenny, and was summoned to Parliament as Baron Bergavenny, from September, 1450, to August, 1472. One of the Earl of Abergavenny's ances- tors—Henry, fourth Lord Bcrgavenny, sat in judgment upon Mary Queen of Scotland." It is of interest to note that the late Marquess of Abergave my represented an unbroken Nevill descent, in the male line, of twenty-one gener- ations, from Geoffrey de Nevill, in the reign of Henry III On the female side the late marquess was descended from John of Gaunt, whose daughter, Joan Beaufort, was the second wife o the first Earl of Westmorland. The Nevill family is one of the most ancient and highly descended in the country. It in- cluded among many distinguished men the I historic figure, Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick, The Kingmaker." From the family-whose possessions were at one time enormous—were lmeailv descended no fewer than seven Kings of England, three Queens of England, four Princes of Wales, four Kings of Scotland, two Quee is of Scotland, one Queen of Spain, one Queen of Bohemia, and one Prince Elector of Pal itine Queen Victoria, King Edward VII., many of the Royal Family, and the best known in the I Lnd visited at Eridge. When Viscount Nevill he served for a period as a J.e tenant in the 2nd Life Guards his in- clinations, however, lay more in the direction of the traditional occupations of a great English 1 Ie I proprietor and towards politics, in t. i is latter sphere Lord Nevill soon became a force to be re ne 1 with. He never sought a seat m the Ho se of Commons or figurel prominency i 1 the .ebates of the House of Lords, yet up to com vir itively recent years he wielded great power in the innermost councils of the Con- servative p, rty. As a young man he hunted much in Yorkshire t and was well known with the Bramham Moor, York and Ainsty, and other famous packs, being very popular as a keen sportsman, a bold rider and a first-rate shot. Local politics then en- grossed his attention, and he became associated with the launching of the "jYorkshire Post." Later on he began to take a prominent part in the general electioneering campaigns of his party, and his peculiar gift of heartiness and geniality won over many a wavering con- stituency to the Conservative cause. Political Activities. I Lord Abergavenny was a born political coun- sellor. He began political life with the late Colonel Tavlor. who was for seventeen years Whip of the Tory party, and of whom Mr. Disraeli used to say that he was the real author of household suffrage. Like the Colonel, he recognised the shining abilities of Disraeli, and staunch Conservative as he was of the older type, he had the utmost confidence in Disraeli's leadership and, reciprocally, it may be said Disraeli had an equal confidence in the counsels of the Marquess, who had succeeded his father in the title, as the fifth Earl, in 1868 On one occasion the late Sir Erskine Perry is reported to have made the remark to Lord Beaconsfield that Lord Abergavenny was a great supporter of bis What, my supporter retorted the Conservative Chief. Why, he is my leader, my head, my chief." Perhaps it may be said that the Marquess won his first great distinction in the election of 1874. Mr. Gladstone had appealed to the country, and put before the constituencies, in an elaborate address to the electors of Green- wich, what seemed very like an electoral bribe, a promise to lighten local taxation and repeal the income-tax. But the Liberal Premier had angered the Nonconformists, and Lord Aber- gavenny, who had a marvellous grasp of public opinion in the country, foresaw how the election was going, rallied the Conservative party, and literally organised victory. Seldom has there been a greater disillusionment than came about with the election of '74. It was the first General Election under the Ballot Act of 1872. Liberals all over the country believed that the ballot would give them a fresh lease of power. It was a tradition that the poor voter everywhere, but especially in the agricultural districts, was overawed by landlord or employer, and that once he had the protection of secret voting he would vote Liberal more than he had ever done before. Great was the surprise when the ballot boxes gave the Conservatives a majority of 46 over Üherals and Irish Nationalists combined. In one part of the kingdom only-in Ireland—did the ballot effect any serious change. In the Emerald Isle it destroyed the power of the landlord, and gave the Nationalist leaders an influence they never heretofore wielded. From that time onward Lord Abergavenny was a power behind the political scene. Late Lord Salisbury's Tribute. I It was no small service to the party which Lord Abergavenny rendered, by the founding of the Constitutional Club, the palatial building in Northumberland-avenue. The club was opened in October, 1886, and in May of the following year Lord Salisbury, then Prime Minister, unveiled the life-size statue of the Marquess of Abergavenny. In point of numbers it was at the time the largest club in the United Kingdom, with 4,000 country and 2,000 town members, exclusive of some 500 life members. In connection with the unveiling, Lord Salisbury observed Lord Abergavenny was a remark- able instance of a dignified product of our political and Parliamentary life. In a great measure it might be said that he had devoted himself to the Conservative party in the paths where it was impossible that a man could meet with the ordinary rewards of ambition. The success he had achieved, the popularity he had won, and the good he had been able to do to the party were a great encouragement to all who wished to serve their cause, for selfish motives and selfish ambition were not the great forces that gave so many stout foundations for our Constitution. Lord Abergavenny's influence in the Con- servative Party rose to its height during the time of the Eastern troubles of 1874-80 but he took t little or no part in deciding questions of policy. For a considerable period he was chairman of the National Union of Conservative Associations. His influence with the old county members was extraordinary, besides which he possessed the faculty both of forming strong and lasting friendships and of obtaining devoted service -from those who had to work with him. In the distribution of rewards for services to the party he had for many years a predominant voice His power in this respect, indeed, was so great that it was once said of him that, if he could not lay claim to be called the King-maker," like his ancestor, the famous Earl of Warwick, his title to the name of Peer-maker could not be disputed. Friendship with Lord Beaconsfield. I Between Lord Abergavenny and Lord Beiconsfi.eH there existed a real bond of friend- ship. Lord Abergavenny revered the memory ol Di.y." as he always called him, and spoke of his lost !e tder as one of Napoleon's Marshals might ha,-e ,)oken of the great Emperor. He used to S1." th it Disraeli was the most pleasant mm to w..v': t'vith that he had ever known, and that this charm of manner was never impaired in the slightest, even when they happened to disagree on some particular question. It was on Lord He consfield's recommendation that Q-.ieen Vict >a advanced him to the dignity of a marquessate in 1876, and the Garter followed 10 vears ater. In his later years, owing to advancing ge and failing sight, he withdrew altogether from active participation in politics. lie was > staunch supporter of the Church of Engl ,.n(l. He was always ready to support protests,iist ritualistic observances, and in 1 > 77 organize! an address, signed by 96 peers expressing alarm at the introduction of the practice of auricular confession. Yet his bitterest opponents on these questions could never find it in their hearts to dislike him. Straightforward, genial, and sincere, he escaped the odium theologicum. He took the greatest interest in the management of his great estates, most of his time, especially in his later years, being passed there. He was never so happy as amongst the Monmouthshire hills at Nevill Hall, Abergavenny, or at Eridge, where his ancestors-had entertained Queen Elizabeth. Few men laboured more energetically or successfully for the Conservative cause than Lord Abergavenny. At a time when the political prospects of the party were of the gloomiest he and a few others, who, like himself, did not despair of seeing better days, devoted them- selves to the task of its reorganisation, and laid the foundation of a system which in 1874 re- sulted in so signal a success. To Viscount Nevill, as he then was, is due the the creation I and development of the Conservative Registra- tion Association and the National Union of I Conservative and Constitutional Associations, which resulted in the establishment in 1867 of a complete network of associations throughout I, the United Kingdom. The difficulties in bring- ing about so great a work were many and dis- heartening, and it was mainly due to Lord Abergavenny's untiring zeal and the confidence I he inspired in those who associated with him in the work that success eventually rewarded all his labours and self-sacrifice. The Tory Bloodhound." I Lady Dorothy Nevill, a cousin of the late Marquess, in her book of Reminiscences," says Scattered about Eridge in the shape of addresses, political cartoons and the like are many evidences of the present Lord Aberga- venny's devotion to politics. The staunchest of Tories, he was a warm friend of Lord Beacons- field, and, of course, an equally ardent opponent of Mr. Gladstone. So conscious was the latter statesman of this that, when staying in the vicinity at Lord Stratford de Redcliffe's, he declined to go and see Eridge, saying, I must not enter the lion's den.' Lord Abergavenny's devotion to the Con- servative cause earned for him the name of the Tory bloodhound,' an appellation which his pertinacity and untiring efforts to assist the dissemination of Tory principles rendered very appropriate. He was the founder of the- Con- stitutional Club and the first chairman of the Junior Carlton. The first beginnings of the Constitutional Club were on a very modest scale, two old ladies in Tachbrooke-street, Pimlico, being employed by Col. Van Strau- benzee, the first hon. sec. to direct and post the initiatory circulars. For some time the establish- ment of such a centre of Conservatism seemed somewhat doubtful, but Lord Abergavenny was not to be daunted. He consulted a most able organiser, Mr. Martin, the secretary of the Junior Carlton Club, and determined, on the latter's advice, to obtain the aid of the committee of that very successful institution in furthering the scheme, and in a very short time, with the consent of that body, a room in the dub was set specially apart for the business arrangements connected with the founding of the Constitu- tional. Matters were now soon placed upon a sound basis, and it was not very long before the club-house was opened, when a large number of members poured in. From that day to this the great centre of Conservative activity in Northumberland Avenue, which owes its existence to so much persistence and energy, has never once looked back.. An almost fanatical Tory, Lord Abergavenny at one time prac- tically devoted his life to the Conservative cause, ever devising new schemes wherewith to strengthen and invigorate the party, a zeal which was always fully recognised by Lord Beaconsfield, who attached much importance to my cousin's influence and efforts, as a cor- respondence preserved at Eridge clearly shows An inspiring Comrade. I In a letter to Mr. Spofforth, as tar back as 1865, the great leader wrote Whatever the result, no one is more conscious and convinced than I am that the contest on the part of the Conservatives has been conducted with admir- able ability.' After paying a tribute to Mr. Spofforth's zeal, energy, resource, and ready information, he continues I am sure what I have seen of Lord Nevill throughout these affairs has made me often wish that I had such a man by my right hand in public life. I have never known an instance of such fiery energy and perfect self-control united with all those personal qualities which make exertion with such a? inspiring comrade a labour of love.' A few years later, on relinquishing office, Lord Beaconsfield wrote My dear Nevill,— Now that I have nothing to do, I may remember I my friends, and my dearest, among whom you will always count. If I only could have given you a blue riband, I would have retired from office without a murmur We should then have cut out that old fellow and his mysterious green decoration. The latter paragraph refers to George Lord I Abergavenny, made a Knight of the Thistle by George III. Lord Beaconsfield had been much puzzled, whilst at Eridge, by the frequent occurrence of the St. Andrew's Cross and the motto Neino me impune lacessit' amongst the decorations of the ceilings and panelling, well knowing that the Nevills had had nothing to do with Scotland. He was quite ignorant of the precedent which formerly decreed that there should always be two English peers holding the Order of the Thistle, and was much interested to learn of such a usage having existed." Domestic Sorrows. I His lordship married in May, 1848, Caroline, daughter-of Sir John Vanden Bempde John- stone, Bt., of Hackness Hall, Yorkshire, and sister of the first Lord Derwent. There were eleven children of the marriage, of whom five sons and two daughters survive. The heir to the title and estates is Reginald William Bransby Nevill, Earl of Lewes, who is 62 years of age. Lord Abergavenny's later years were darkened by domestic sorrows. Foremost of these must be counted the tragic death in 1913 of Lady Cottenham-before her marriage Lady Rose Nevill. Her ladyship was found dead in the wood at Elvenden, Goring-on-Thames, having been shot by the accidental discharge of her gun while she was shooting alone in the wood. Her twin sister, Lady Violet, who had married first Earl Cowley, and, secondly, Mr. Myddelton, of Chirk Castle, had died after a very short illness two years earlier. Eridge Castle. I The Sussex seat of the late Marquess, Eridge Castle, Tunbridge Wells, is one of the finest of country mansions and is noted for its imposing character, its internal decoration, and its royal and historic relics of sport. The Marquess was well known for his hospitality, and Eridge Castle was a home of sport. Its huge park of 2,000 acres formed part of the once Royal chase. It is the only deer-park which survives in its original condition from the Conqueror's times, when it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Redesfelle. One of the last seats left to the Nevills, Queen Elizabeth was entertained within its walls during her progress through Sussex, at which time it appears to have been a considerable mansion. Nevertheless, not very long after this it became practically abandoned as a residence, and in the course of time degenerated into little more than a farmhouse. Towards the end of the 18th century, however, Lord Lord Abergavenny of that day determined to leave the comparatively new family place of Kidbroke and once more reside at the home of his forefathers. Accordingly he restored Eridge in the Strawberry Hill style of castellated archi- tecture, which, owing to the splendid position of the house on an eminence looking over the glorious park, is in this instance not at all in- effective. Eridge-Castle contains a good many interest- ing things, including a very curious model of the Foudroyant, the man-of-war which brought Nelson's body back to England. It was on this ship that Ralph, Viscount Nevill, fought at Trafalgar. There are several good pictures in the house, annngst the:n a beai-tiful full-length portrait by Gainsborough of the Hon. Henry Nevill as a boy. Here also are preserved the robes of the Baron Abergavenny who was one of the judges at the trial of Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringay, as well as other relics of far-away times, including a richly embroidered coat which, belonging to Joseph Bonaparte, was captured at the Battle I of Vittoria by John, Viscount Nevill, who was wounded by the last shot fired during that fierce I encounter. LOCAL PUBLIC REFERENCES. Immediately on hearing from Lord Henry Nevill on Sunday of the death of the Marquess, the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) sent the following telegram to the family "Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Abergavenny desire to express their deepest sympathy with the Nevill family upon the death of the Marquess of Abergavenny.— WHEATUEY, Mayor." Town Council's Resolution. A special meeting of the Council was held on Mot day night to arrange for a memorial service to the Marquess 0:1 Thursday. I The Council passed a resolution expressing deepest sympathy with the Nevill family in their sad bereavement, and placing on record their appreciation of the many services he had rendered to the town and the irreparable loss the town had sustained by his death The Mayor, in proposing the resolution, said the Marquess had been a personal friend to him during the time he had occupied the Mayoral chair. He was ever ready to do anything he could for the good of the town or to support local objects. He lived up to his great responsibilities and used his wealth and opportunities for the benefit of others. Councillor Major Wiliianis seconded and said the Marquess was a great friend of the Cadets, and his death was a great loss to them. The Rev. H. H. Matthew also paid a tribute to the late Marquess. Alderman Straker's Tribute. A letter was received at the Town Council meeting from Alderman J ames Straker, who wrote that the demise of the Marquess was a great and irreparable loss to the borough. His lordship had always employed his great influence in raising the ancient town to the rank. of an important borough. As Mayor in 1904 and 1913 he (Alderman Straker) had many times been the recipient of kindly help and sym- pathy at the hands of his lordship, and now that he had passed away r' full of years and honours the least they could do was to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of the borough's best friend and first freeman. True Friend to Farmers. In distributing the prizes at the Christmas fat stock market on Tuesday, the Mayor referred to the late Marquess as a true friend to the town, ever ready to help in any public improvement. He had also been a true friend to the farmers who had had the privilege of being his tenant (Hear, hear). It would be unbecoming of them if they did not express their sympathy with the family. Those present raised their hats as a mark of sympathy and respect. Magistrates' Regret. At the Police Court on Wednesday, Colonel R. H. Mansel presiding, said that he had been asked by the Chairman (Mr. F. P. J. Hanbury), who was unavoidably absent through indis- position, to express the very great sorrow and regret of the Bench at the loss they had sustained by the death of the most noble the Marquess of Abergavenny. He was a great friend to every- one in that neighbourhood and a great friend to England, and far and wide his loss, especially at the present crisis, was lamented. Following the example of his illustrious ancestors, he was I always ready to protect the weak, and to combat the strong. No one thought more of our great and free country than he did, and he was ever ready to support it with all his most valuable energy against every power and potentate who would attempt to take away our freedom or put the yoke upon us. The Abergavenny Bench of Magistrates felt his loss very much. On Sunday night the passing-bell of St. Mary's Church was tolled, and this was the first intima- tion to most people of the death of the Marquess. During the week the flags at the Town Hall, St. Mary's Church and the County Club have been flown at half-mast, and a number of tradesmen have put up black shutters in front of their windows as a mark of sorrow and respect to the memory of the departed Marquess. THEIFUNERAL. I Ilk, BODY B0RNE1T0 CHURCH IN MARQUESS'S PONY CART. The funeral took place at Eridge, on Thursday, many relatives and friends being present. The coffin, which was borne to the church in his lordship's pony cart, was made from oak grown on he estate and felled forty years ago The Kent and Sussex Yeomanry formed a guard of honour at the church and the graveside, and the officiating clergy were the four domestic chaplains of the marquess. The Insignia of the Garter was borne on a purple cushion. The principal mourners and people present were Lord and Lady Henry Nevill, Lord and Lady William Nevill, the Marquess and Mar- chioness of Camden, Viscount and Lady Idina. Hythe, and the Duke of Norfolk. MEMORIAL SERVICE IN ST. JAMES'S CHAPEL The King was represented by the Earl of Chesterfield and Queen Alexandra by Earl Howe at a memorial service held by his Majesty's command at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, on Thu sday a fternoon. Beethoven'# Funeral March was played at the commencement and Chopin's March at the close of the service, which included three hymns selected by the late marquess himself for the occasion of his burial,, and which were also used at the final obsequies. They were: "-Hark, hark, my soul," My God, my Father, whi e I stray," and For ever with, the Lord.' Among the members of the congregation were the secretary of the Carlton Club, Lord Edmund Talbot, Colonel Oswald Ames, and Major Surtees, of the 2nd Life Guards; a sergeant-major and a few non-commissioned officers, representing the regiment, Colonel Sir Fitzroy Maclean, West Kent Reg ment; Lady Maclean, Lady Llan- gattock, Viscount M. Colville, Viscount Har- dinge, Lord Chilston, Viscountess Goscben, Lady Mostyn, Lord Leconfield, the Earl of Kintore, Lord and Lady Sandys, General Sir Dighton Probyn, Mr. A. J. Sykes, representing the Primrose League; Major-General Sir Ivor Herbert, Lord Sandhurst, Countess Theodore Gleichen, Miss Marisia Nevill, Mrs. Horace Nevill, and the Hon. Mrs. Molyneau. MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ABERGAVENNY. At the request of the family, a memorial service was held at St. Mary's Church, Aber- gavenny, on Thursday afternoon. There was a large congregation at the church and the Mayor and members of the Town Council attended, most of them in their robes of office, a procession being formed at the Town Hall. The Mayor was accompanied by Mr. Reg. Herbert, D.L., of Clytha (one of the Marquess's oldest friends), who represented the Lord Lieutenant and wore the uniform of a deputy lieutenant. Also taking part in the procession were the Town Clerk and officials, Fire'Brigade, Cadets in charge of Sergt. E. H. Restall. Among those who were at the church were Major Francis (Tip) Herbert, Lieut.- Colonel J. H. Gilbert Harris (agent for the Mon- mouthshire and Herefordshire estates), Mr. Percy Layboume (Under Sheriff, representing the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire, Mr. W. R. Lysaght), Col. and Mrs. E. B. Herbert, Col. and Mrs. Mansel, Major and Mrs. Douglas Graham (Hilston), Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Thomas, Mrs. Reg. Herbert, Mr. F. P. J. Hanbury, D.L., and Mrs. Hanbury, Mr. Godfrey E. Jones and Mr. Howard S. Wooding (representing the North Monmouthshire Conservative Association), Mrs. C. H. G. Martin, Mrs. Corfield, Mr. (lower Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Marsh, Mr. Iltyd Gardner, Mr. John Prichard, Rev. E. Mansel Townshend, Llanvapley (represent ng the Chair- man and Council of the Church Association, London), and a large number of tenants and workpeople on the estate. The band of the 2nd Monmouthshire Battalion (under Band- master S. T. Roderick) were present at the church and were placed in the chancel, where they played three selections before the service commenced—Beethoven's Creation's Hvmn," Edward Jones's Shepherd of Souls," and Sullivan's Thou art passing hence." The service was conducted by the Rev. Morgan Gi bert, M.A. (Vicar of Llanvetherine), and the lesson (I. Corinthians xv.) was read by the Vicar (the Rev. H. H. Matthew. At the close of the service the organist, Mr. W. R. Carr, played Chopin's Marche Funebre." Following the service the band assembled outside the church and played impressively the Dead March in Saul," after which one of the bandsmen sounded the Last Post." -A-