File:Dryden Family armorial relics - geograph.org.uk - 1524067.jpg

English:

Armorial / funeral relics of the Dryden family (Dryden baronets from 1619) of Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire, England, south wall of St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby. The Dryden family was lord of the manor of Canons Ashby and also held the w:advowson of the parish church. At top three w:hatchments, showing the coat of arms of Dryden: Azure, a lion rampant and in chief an (armillary) sphere between two estoiles or (Source: Burke, Sir Bernard, The General Armory, London, 1884, p.302). Beneath them are three standards / flags. Next is a tabard displaying the Dryden arms, although the field has faded to purple. It displays in addition a canton of a baronet, namely the Red Hand of Ulster. Immediately above the tabard is the helm (helmet) and surmounting that the crest of Dryden: A demi-lion or sustaining in the dexter paw an (armillary) sphere (Source: Burke, Sir Bernard, The General Armory, London, 1884, p.302). Below the tabard is a cartouche showing again the Dryden arms. Either side of the cartouche can be seen a gauntlet and directly beneath it a sword with point downwards. Between the sword and each gauntlet dangle what appear to be spurs. This is an unusual collection of historical memorabilia and makes for an interesting display I think.