The Crest of Astley
The crest as engraved upon this William IV English Sterling Silver Military Thread Pattern Basting Spoon
by Paul Storr hallmarked London 1835 is that of the family of Astley.
It may be blazoned as follows:
Crest: Out of a ducal coronet or five ostrich feathers argent
Below the crest is engraved 'an annulet' which is the mark of cadency for a fifth son
Upon the balance of probability and without any evidence to the contrary,
this basting spoon was undoubtedly part of a larger suite of silver in the possession
of The Reverend Henry Nicholas Astley (born 5th January 1767 died 14th August 1854).
Henry was the fifth son of Sir Edward Astley, the 4th Baronet of Hill Morton1
in the County of Warwickshire and his second wife, Anne Milles.2
Henry married Sarah Pitman (born 1770 died 16th September 1822) on the 20th February 1798.
She was the daughter of The Reverend J. Pitman.
Henry was the Rector of several parishes in the County of Norfolk.
Henry and Sarah had three children during their marriage, a son and two daughters.
Portrait of The Reverend Henry Nicholas Astley (1767 - 1854) by Stefano Tofanelli.
1 This baronetcy was created within the Baronetage of England on the 25th June 1660 for Sir Jacob Astley.
2 Anne was the youngest daughter of Christopher Milles, of Nackington, Co. Kent
Heraldry Courtesy of John Tunesi of Liongam
MSc, FSA Scot, Hon FHS, QG |
