Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford [c1400 – 1459]. Robert was the eldest surviving son of Walter 1st Baron Hungerford and Katherine Peverell. He married Margaret de Botreaux, c1420. He received a licence to go on pilgrimage in 1423, and later undertook military service in France. His political life was largely limited to administration in Wiltshire and Somerset, though he was called to Parliament from 1450. Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford is best known for his paying of a huge ransom for the release of his son, Robert 3rd Lord Hungerford and for the SS Collar that adorns his effigy. He died in 1459.
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The SS Collar of Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford
The effigy of Robert in Salisbury Cathedral is one of the best known examples of a livery ‘SS’ collar being incorporated into a funerary effigy. The ‘SS’ refers to the technique of creating a collar from interlinked letters – in this case, couplet of the letter S.
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These collars are closely associated with the Lancastrian Regime. They were first issued by John of Gaunt and subsequently handed out by Kings Henry IV, V, and VI. Collars such as this are associated with men with close ties to the Lancastrian court. There are 3 examples of this type of livery in Salisbury Cathedral, the others being John Cheney and Robert Hyde.
Featured Image
Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford. Effigy in Salisbury Cathedral. Authors own photograph.
Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford Links
British Museum – the online collections of the British Museum contain 8 pieces related to Robert 2nd Baron Hungerford. These focus on his effigy and the SS Collar.
Hungerford & Associated Families Society – the ‘SS’ Collar of Robert 2nd Lord Hungerford.
Hungerford Virtual Museum – history of the Hungerford Family.