A Champion's Plaque c1775

An armorial biscuit plaque.  Its height is 5.1 inches (13 cm).  Such armorial pieces were probably given to Champion's friends.  The arms on this plaque are the ancient arms of the Percy family (lion rampant) quartered with those of the Nevills (five lozenges).  This together with the coronet indicate a connection to the family of the Duke of Northumberland, and it is thought that this plaque was in possession of the family.  There is a possible connection between Richard Champion and the Duke of Northumberland.  The duchess had visited Goldney's garden in the 1760s, and the Goldney and Champion families were related by marriage, also Thomas Goldney administered money on behalf of Richard Champion when he was young.  Thomas Goldney died in 1768, his house and garden being inherited by his brother Gabriel.  The Duke of Northumberland may also have had land interests in the Bristol area (the family certianly owned mineral rights in the 19th century).