PROFESSOR Basil Jarvis (Mystery of 200-year-old coat of arms, September 12) is confused.
The Royal Arms in Kempley Church are no mystery. The Tudors decreed that their arms should be set up in all churches to show that the English monarch was governor of the Church of England and there was no subjection to the Pope in Rome. New arms have replaced old or worn out ones in late reigns. Yes the arms illustrated are those used by Kings George I and II and by George III till they were changed in 1801. The majority of Anglican Churches have the Royal Arms set up somewhere in the church today.
A hatchment is a different kettle of fish altogether. It was put over the doorway of great houses when one of the owners family died. It tells of the 'achievement' of the person (hatchment is a corruption) it shows honors, rank and marital status. Being big and clumpy, it was afterwards often sent to the church which dealt with dead people and monuments.
RUSSELL FLETCHER, Pershore
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