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NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE Bennett Sherard Reclining Classical Marble by Rysbrack 1732

Depicted in classical costume Bennet Sherard is represented in a half-seated, half-reclining pose looking up at his wife who is holding their infant son. The earl's left arm is resting on a large cushion while his right is reaching towards his wife. Above, on a black pyramidal background, are two medallions bearing relief busts of the couple. The monument is surmounted by an achievement of arms: Quarterly, 1st and 4th Argent, a chevron gules between three roundels gules (Shared) 2nd and 3rd Argent, a chevron gules between three pineapples leafed vet on a chief sable (Christopher). On an escutcheon of pretence sable, within a role eight owls argent (Cleverly). The achievement, which is supported by two rams, carries the motto Hosts Honori Invidia. The inscription reads: To the memory of Bennet, First Earl of Harborough only surviving son and heir of Bennet, Lord Sherard of Stapleford, Baron of Letrim in the Kingdom of Ireland, by Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of Sir Robert Christopher of Alford, in the County of Calverley of Ariholme in the Bishopric of Durham, knt. by whom he had issue one son, who died an infant. He was many years and to the time of his death Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Rutland; Lord Warden and Justice in Eyre north of the Trent. He died the 16th day of October in the year of Our Lord 1732 aged 55. Bennet was the son of Bennet who died in 1700. In 1701 he was returned as one of the MPs for Leicestershire and, in 1713, for Rutland. On the accession of George I he was created Earl of Harborough and, in 1718 was advanced to the dignity of Viscount Sherard of Stapleford. Bennet married Mary Calverley who died in 1732 age 55. In his will he bequeathed an annuity of £48 for the use of six poor men of the Church of England, who had worked for at least ten years with the family and who were over 55 years old. A house was provided for the men who were given a new blue gown every three years. His sister Lucy was the second wife of John, 2nd Duke of Rutland. She died in 1751 and was buried in St Mary's, Bottesford. Sepulchral Effigies of Leicestershire and Rutland Text copyright Max Matthews 2002. Selected text copyright Bob Trubshaw 2025–6. Images copyright Max Matthews 2002 or Bob Trubshaw 2002, 2025–6. No copying or reproduction without prior written permission. Published by Heart of Albion Press Back to top of this page This website does not gather or store any visitor information.