Brass to Nicholas Toke, Great Chart church

Image: © Julian P Guffogg Taken: 8 Dec 2013

This is the last brass in England to show a full suit of armour. He survived 5 wives, and it is said that he died aged 93 on the way to London to marry number 6! His previous wives were Anne Robinson, Margaret Knatchbull, Jane Dobell, Mary Brown and Lady Diana Finch (their arms can be seen in the lighter coloured stone). Known as "The Captain" he was in the navy in his younger days, but was actually a gentleman farmer. He built the house at Godinton which he adorned with oak panelling, a chestnut staircase dated 1629, and fireplaces in Bethersden marble dated 1631. He purchased a new Bell for the church, and oak choir stalls. In 1662 he was made Sheriff of Kent, and he was described as "an honest Gentleman and of great estate". On the brass below him are his 3 daughters, Elinore, Bridget and Mary (in more modern dress). It is thought the monument was provided by Bridget. He died in 1680.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0