The Hopkinson family coat of arms
Text below reproduced from the University of London Institute of Historical Research website (British History County of Huntingdon Volume 3 Pages 53-57)
“The church plate (fn. 57) consists of a silver chalice engraved with the arms of Hopkinson, Azure, on a chevron Argent, between three estoiles Or, as many lozenges Gules; crest, a demi-lion rampant; and motto ‘Pro Rege meo prosperis et adversis‘; and inscribed ‘ D.O.M. Hanece lagenam cum patinâ in usum fidelium D.D. Gulielmus Hopkinson Dominus manerii de Gidding Parvâ Div: Joan: Fest: A.S. MDCCCLIII,”
The Latin phrase “Pro Rege meo prosperis et adversis” translates to “For my King in times of prosperity and adversity.” It signifies a declaration of steadfast loyalty and dedication irrespective of circumstances.
The inscription “D.O.M. Hanece lagenam cum patinâ in usum fidelium D.D. Gulielmus Hopkinson Dominus manerii de Gidding Parvâ Div: Joan: Fest: A.S. MDCCCLIII,” can be translated to English as follows:
“To God, the Best and the Greatest. This flagon with plate for the use of the faithful, given by Gulielmus (William) Hopkinson, Lord of the Manor of Little Gidding, on the Feast of St. John the Divine, in the year of Salvation 1853.”
This inscription denotes that William Hopkinson, identified as the Lord of the Manor of Little Gidding, donated the flagon (a large vessel for drink) and plate (which could be a paten, a plate used to hold Eucharistic bread) to the church for the benefit of the believers, commemorating the feast day of St. John the Divine in the year 1853. The initials “D.O.M.” are a common abbreviation for “Deo Optimo Maximo,” a Latin phrase commonly used in religious contexts to give glory and thanks to God.
The family’s involvement with Little Gidding Church extends beyond the symbolic and into the tangible. They have been integral to the preservation and maintenance of the church’s fabric, ensuring that its history remains evident and accessible. The Hopkinson family’s contribution to the church is also marked by the church plate, which includes the aforementioned chalice, clearly bearing the Hopkinson arms and motto, “Pro Rege meo prosperis et adversis,” indicating a commitment to leadership and service through all trials and fortunes.
The Hopkinson family retains the Advowson to this day. This is currently exercised by Mrs. Verity Gunnery (the eldest daughter of Mrs. Felicity Hopkinson (now deceased) youngest daughter is Judith “Hoppy” now Hoppy Goodson-Wickes) in turn with Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland.
The Hopkinson Family have always lived at the Seventeenth Century Grange and owned the cottages and land in the village.
Historic England page The Grange, listed building
