heraldryofyorkmi01custuoft

VALENCE. 329
been a blessing to men for nearly a thousand r
years What a countless
multitude have ' worshipped in the great House which they so largely
helped to build, differing indeed in the apprehension and expression of
what they believed, for each, however sincerely, only knowing in part,
yet all, we trust, hereafter to find their animosities quenched and their
shortcomings forgiven, when they meet together, seeing no longer as in
a glass darkly, but beholding their common Lord and Saviour face to
face, and knowing each other and Him, even as they are known, in " the
" building of God, the House not made with hands, eternal in the
" Heavens."
VALENCE.
But the shield was not only varied by increasing the number of
bars, but by placing distinct charges upon them. Amongst these I think
the most beautiful is that of Valence, which may be found in stone and
glass upon the north side of the nave, viz. Barry argent and azure, an
orle of martlets gules.*
William de Valence, the first of the "family, was son of Hugh le
Brun, Count of the Marches of Acquitaine, by Isabel, daughter and
heiress of Aymer Count of Angoulesme, and widow of King John.
We know little of William save that he was created Earl of Pembroke
by his half-brother, Henry III., but his son, Aymer de Valence, who
succeeded him, plays rather an important part in the history of that day.
Summoned to Parliament as a baron 25 Edward I., he seems to have had
the precedence of all other barons. He was sent as a commissioner into
Flanders to ratify an agreement between the King and Florence Count
of Holland; and likewise as ambassador to France to treat for peace.
His name is mentioned amongst the barons at the siege of Caerlaverock,
* See coloured illustration.