HE was a politician, sailor, soldier and non-conformist.

And in 1723 he rented - and later bought - the parcel of land which was to become the Bevois Mount estate.

Now he has been immortalised with a mural the size of a house.

Eyeing you up as you turn the corner into Earl’s Road in Southampton is an impressive portrait of the 3rd Earl of Peterborough, Charles Morduant.

By his side is the famous opera singer Anastasia Robinson, who Charles married secretly and was revered for her renditions of Handel’s music - some of which was written especially for her by the famous composer.

Joining them is a portrait of the poet Alexander Pope, who was a friend of Charles and frequent guest to the house.

Now the mural has been painted using a projector by local street artist Slam Daniels.

It was commissioned by the Bevois Mount History Group with money raised at nearby pub The Guide Dog, through quiz nights raffles, events as well as donations,

It’s the second mural in the area to be painted by the 44-year-old artist from Woolston, who also created the stunning depiction of Bevois history on the junction of Alma and Cambridge Road.

Bevois Mount historian Ally Hayes said: “He really was quite a character.

“At a time of religious intolerance he was actually very tolerant. His second wife and his best friend were catholic although he was protestant.

“We are already getting tremendous reaction - there’s been nothing but good comments so far, and some of the children from Bevois Town school will be coming to see it in September.

“We are particularly grateful for the support of Johnstone’s Paint who provided us with all the paint required for the projects.”

The mural has cost around £2,000 and took three weeks to complete.

As previously reported, the Alma Road mural is divided into three parts, with one panel depicting the Stag Gates and what Bevois Mount House may have looked like.

The middle panel a 1905 map of the area and a portrait of Sir Bevois of Hampton, while the final panel shows icons of Southampton’s history.

Ms Hayes was head of humanities at Redbridge Community School.

WHO’S WHO

Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, 1658 - 1735

Served in the government of William and Mary.

Led the British army in Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Had a circle of literary friends including Pope, Swift and Voltaire.

First nobleman ever to marry someone from the stage.

Created the Bevois Mount Estate C.1723.

Anastasia Robinson 1692 - 1755

Famous opera singer.

Spent ten years on the London stage singing mainly in Handel operas, often in parts written especially for her.

Married Earl of Peterborough apparently for love - she earned a lot of money on the stage - although he was much older than her.

Deprived history and literature of valuable documents by burning the Earl’s memoirs because she thought they were too scandalous.

Continued to live at Bevois Mount after the Earl’s death, and was much loved and respected by people of the town.

Alexander Pope 1688 - 1744, pictured left.

Poet and translator of ancient Greek poet Homer.

Most quoted writer in English literature after Shakespeare.

Paid extended visits to Bevois Mount and one of the paths in the grounds became known as Pope’s Walk.

Described Bevois Mount as ‘beautiful beyond imagination ‘

“The greatest magnifying glasses in the world are a man’s own eyes when they look upon his own person.”