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Count Dolgorouki
Our Russian Connection The weather-worn coat of arms and the fading inscription on the flat tombstone to the west of the south porch of St Mary’s Church in Hitcham Lane hide a romantic story. It is the final resting place of His Highness Prince Alexei Dolgorouki and his wife, HRH Princess Francis. Alexei and Fanny were an autumn love match, marrying when both were just reaching 50. Their marriage ceremony in July 1898 was a two-part celebration at the Russian Embassy Chapel and at Saint Margaret’s Church, Westminster. Fanny was the only child and heiress of the rich industrialist, Mr Fleetwood Wilson of Wappenham Manor in Northamptonshire. Prince Alexei, a Chamberlain to the Tsar of Russia, came from a long and distinguished noble family in the direct line of descent from Prince Dolgorouki of Suzdal, the founder of Moscow in 1129. A monument to the first Prince was built in Moscow to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the city. The Dolgoroukis lived a happy social life, entertaining lavishly at their home in Upper Grosvenor Street in Mayfair. Fanny wanted to have a country house in the Thames Valley suitable to hold weekend river parties and Prince Alexei commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to build a house on a site in Taplow. The result was Nashdom - in Russian 'Our Home'. After Prince Alexei died in June 1915, Fanny spent most of her days abroad at her villa on the shores of the Mediterranean continuing to be a very generous hostess. She died in August 1919. A golden Madonna and Child icon sits at the foot of their tombstone.
