Category: St Marks Church

Hon. Francis Wheler Hood
4^th. Viscount Hood of Whitely

Set In the graveyard at the north east corner of St. Mark’s Church, Hadlow Down, outside the vestry, there is a most notable gravestone.  The grave itself is surrounded by a low hedge and the memorial stone, in the form of a large cross that lies prone, is decorated with a curious and unique labyrinth design which has five paths that have no obvious source.  Labyrinths and mazes do appear on gravestones occasionally, particularly in historical graveyards, often symbolizing spiritual journeys, remembrance, or even as a form of memorialisation. Labyrinthine designs can vary in complexity and material, from simple chalk outlines to more elaborate stone or tile work.
The grave is the last resting place of 4^th. Viscount Hood of Whitely, Lt Colonel Francis Wheler Hood. 1838-1907.

Francis Wheler Hood was born in Marylebone, London on the 4^th. July 1838 and baptised at the parish church of St Marylebone, Middlesex on 11th. August 1838 his father was Samuel Hood, 3^rd.Viscount Hood of Whitely and his mother Mary Isabella Tibbits.  He had two brothers Albert and Alexander Frederick Gregory.  The family were living at No.38 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London when he was born. Continue reading “4th. Viscount Hood”