Robert Elwes
1819-1878
Born: Colesbourne, Gloucestershire, England
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1819-1878
Born: Colesbourne, Gloucestershire, England
Robert Elwes was the eldest son of Robert and Mary Elwes. He was killed at the battle of Laing's Neck, South Africa in 1881. His death became the subject of a famous painting by Lady Butler (copy in the Barn), named "Floreat Etona". Robert shouted to another Eton boy - "Come along Monk, we must be in the front rank - Floreat Etona" and was shot immediately. Folowing his death the Congham Estate passed to his younger brother Arthur Elwes.
Robert Elwes built Congham House in1858 on land inherited from his mother Susan Hamond, wife of Henry Elwes of Colesbourne, Gloustershire. The house was burnt down on the night of 15th November 1939. Robert Elwes was a Victorian traveller-painter. He and his wife Mary (ne Lucas) are burried in the churchyard at Congham. They had 10 children.