Photographs of Speen, Berkshire - St Mary's Church (Effigy of John Baptiste Castillion)
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St Mary's Church (Effigy of John Baptiste Castillion), Speen

Speen, St Mary's Church (Effigy of John Baptiste Castillion)


John Baptiste Castillion (Giovanni Battista CASTIGLIONE) was from Piedmont (Piemonte) in Italy - he died in 1597; opposite is the tomb of [initially believed to be his wife d.1603], yet the monuments appear to be much older in style.

Additional notes: 2006.
Subsequent to this photograph appearing online, the following additional information has been kindly provided by Chris Pigott, of NSW. The tomb opposite is of Giovanni's daughter-in-law, Elizabeth CASTILLION, not his wife. She was the wife of his eldest son and heir, Sir Francis CASTILLION. Formerly Elizabeth St JOHN, she died in childbirth, leaving Francis with 3 young children.

Sir Francis kept a Letter-Book, the original of which survives, and is in the holdings of the Beinecke Rare Book & MS Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT. It contains details of Francis' marriage, the births of their 3 children, and her death and burial.

Giovanni's wife was Margaret, widow of Lazarus ALLEN, and natural daugter of Bartolomeo COMPAGNI, Florentine Merchant Stranger in London. She died in 1622, and her PCC will was proved by her grandson Peyton CASTILLION (a brother of Chris's ancestor Catherine CASTILLION, the wife of Sir William GILBERT of Kilminchy, Queen's Co, Ireland). Margaret was named of Benham Park in her will, so probably died there, and was probably buried at Speen, but there are no details.

Giovanni was recommended to Henry VIII at Boulogne, 1544, and was appointed Italian master to the court of his younger daughter Elizabeth, then aged 13. He was subsequently appointed by her, on her accession as Queen, as one of the Grooms of her Privy Chamber, a post he held until his death; she granted him the Manor of Benham Valence for his service.

See also Berkshire History: Benham Park.

(Commentary provided by Phil Draper/Chris Pigott)
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Image contributed by Phil Draper from 7th December 2004.

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