English, first half 16th century

carved for the entry porch of Dutton Hall during Piers Dutton’s rebuilding, 1539-1542, in-situ until the hall was dismantled by John Dewar, 2nd Baron Forteviout (1885-1947), and relocated to East Grinstead, Sussex, c. 1933;

private collection, United States of America

Sir Piers Dutton, lord of the manor of Dutton, was an eminent figure in Tudor England, as he filled the position of mayor of Chester between 1512-1515, was knighted by King Henry VIII, and the largest gentry landowner in England. In the late 1530s, Sir Piers Dutton received a large family inheritance and commenced the extensive remodeling of Dutton Hall. The present monumental coat of arms, carved from a single piece of oak, took a prominent place in the refashioned Hall, above the interior doorway of the entry porch. Two heraldic gryphons support the polychromed escutcheon on either side. A plumed tournament helmet, reflecting Sir Piers’ knighthood, and two angels holding a banner are carved in high relief on the upper register of this noteworthy coat of arms.