Hon. Francis Wheler Hood
4th. 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 4th. Viscount Hood of Whitely, Lt Colonel Francis Wheler Hood. 1838-1907.
Francis Wheler Hood was born in Marylebone, London on the 4th. July 1838 and baptised at the parish church of St Marylebone, Middlesex on 11th. August 1838 his father was Samuel Hood, 3rd.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.
On the death of his father on 8 May 1846 he succeeded, at the age of eight years old to the four titles which his father had held. The most senior of these was Viscount Hood of Whitley.
In his youth he took up a military career and his first appointment at the age of sixteen, according to the The London Gazette dated 17th. November1854, was as an Ensign and Lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards. His cousin Brevet-Colonel Francis Grosvenor Hood of the same regiment had been killed in action in the Crimean war, at Sebastopol, earlier that same year. In May 1857 Francis was promoted to Lieutenant and then to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in June 1863. Less than two months later, recorded in the Gazette dated 11th. August 1863, he retired from the Army. It was suggested that this sudden resignation so soon after promotion may have been due to a conflict of military and political responsibilities. Francis had wanted to exercise his right to take his seat in the House of Lords as a Peer of the Realm when Parliament was in session, but would not agree to making up the time whilst away from the Regiment It was reported that this had been discussed at the highest level in the Army, even being raised with Prince Albert in 1861.
In November 1864, the Court Circulars reported that Francis was awaiting permission from Queen Victoria to Marry Princess Mary of Cambridge.
‘It is said that Princess Mary of Cambridge is sought
in marriage by Viscount Hood. The consent of her
Majesty is necessary before the union can take place,
and it is hoped that the Royal approval will be
graciously afforded.’
This permission was not granted. The following year, Francis married Edith Ward and Princess Mary married Franz, the Prince of Teck
‘Once more the rumour is spread abroad that the
Princess Mary of Cambridge was about to be married. Last
time the favoured suitor was said to be Viscount Hood, and
now it is Prince de Teck, whose brilliant Hungarian uniform
was the source of so much curiosity at the Brighton Review.
Everyone must remember the gossip that got
about not long since, in which the names of the
popular Princess Mary of Cambridge and Lord
Hood were mixed up. Some said they were
sincerely attached to one another and only wanted
consent, others declared that they had been
secretly united. Now, however, that the canard
has dropped through, it is stated that Viscount
Hood is to unite his destinies with those of a Miss
Ward.’
On the 18th.July 1865 Francis was married to Edith Lydia Drummond Ward at St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, Westminster. The marriage register reads as so:
July 18th. 1865
Francis Wheler Hood: Full age; Bachelor; Viscount; Residence – Lower Brook St.
Father: Samuel Hood; Viscount
Edith Lydia Drummond Ward: Minor; Spinster; Residence – Up[per] Grosvenor St.
Father: Arthur Wellesley Ward ; Esq
Married by licence
Parties both signed: Hood, E.L.D.Ward
Witnesses: Arthur W Ward, E F Hood, Henry C E Malet
The family home was Skippers Hill Manor, now known as Skippers Hill Preparatory School and
the couple had eight children; Mabel Edith, Grosvenor Arthur Frederic, Grosvenor Arthur Alexander (later 5th Viscount Hood), Horace Lambert Alexander, Neville Albert, Alma Marguerite, Dorothy Violet & Francis George. The names of the first and second sons being so similar is probably explained by the first ‘Grosvenor Arthur’ dying when just over a year old and the second being born a few months after his death.
Francis died on the 27th. April 1907 aged 68 in the City of London and was buried in St. Mark’s cemetery Hadlow Down.
(There seems to have been some confusion in past publications etc. referencing Hadlow Down history dating his death as 1911. Official records show it was as above. This may be a confusion with the date of his wife’s passing which was 9th. March 1911.)
There is an enamelled processional cross that stands in the chancel of St. Mark’s donated in the memory of Viscount Hood in 1934.
C. Hadlow Down Village Trust 2025