Tomb-Time...

I thought I'd devote a post to the medieval and post-medieval tombs of Lanercost Priory now.

The priory is associated with the Dacre family, who are a well-known Border family who've figured prominently in various important historical events.  Sir Thomas Dacre, for example, played an important role in the Battle of Flodden.

The priory and its lands came into the family's possession following Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, and though the Dacres built themselves a handsome tower-house and a hall on the site (worth a post in its own right), they seem to have left the church remarkably intact. The remains of the transepts became a burial place for the family, with several interesting tombs that date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

There's two early sixteenth century tombs located on either side of the crossing.  The first belongs to Sir Humphry Dacre, who died in 1485, but whose burial monument wasn't actually constructed until around 1510, at a time roughly contemporary with the death of his widow, Lady Mabel.

The canopied tomb featured below belongs to his son, Lord Thomas Dacre.  This is the champion of Flodden, who so impressed Henry VIII with his conduct that he was promoted to Warden of East, West and Middle Marches in 1515.  The tomb post-dates Sir Humphry's by a mere ten years or so - Lord Thomas died fighting the Scots in 1525:-

 

Here's a close-up.  Sadly, the tomb effigies have now been lost, and you should bear in mind that the originals would have been brightly painted:-
 

 

And lastly, let me introduce to you - the mystery tomb.  Traditionally thought to be a member of the Vaux family, this is thought instead to be yet another Dacre, though he's likely to be earlier, of fifteenth century date:-

 

I have omitted the most poignant monument, which was in fact one of the most modern.  It comprised a terracotta model of Elizabeth Dacre Howard, who died at the age of four months in 1883. 

Despite the long period since her death, the loss felt by her grieving parents were clearly evident in this very emotive memorial.

As my supervisor used to quote, Death makes the meanest of us sacred...

Tomb-Time...

I thought I'd devote a post to the medieval and post-medieval tombs of Lanercost Priory now.

The priory is associated with the Dacre family, who are a well-known Border family who've figured prominently in various important historical events.  Sir Thomas Dacre, for example, played an important role in the Battle of Flodden.

The priory and its lands came into the family's possession following Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, and though the Dacres built themselves a handsome tower-house and a hall on the site (worth a post in its own right), they seem to have left the church remarkably intact. The remains of the transepts became a burial place for the family, with several interesting tombs that date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

There's two early sixteenth century tombs located on either side of the crossing.  The first belongs to Sir Humphry Dacre, who died in 1485, but whose burial monument wasn't actually constructed until around 1510, at a time roughly contemporary with the death of his widow, Lady Mabel.

The canopied tomb featured below belongs to his son, Lord Thomas Dacre.  This is the champion of Flodden, who so impressed Henry VIII with his conduct that he was promoted to Warden of East, West and Middle Marches in 1515.  The tomb post-dates Sir Humphry's by a mere ten years or so - Lord Thomas died fighting the Scots in 1525:-

 

Here's a close-up.  Sadly, the tomb effigies have now been lost, and you should bear in mind that the originals would have been brightly painted:-
 

 

And lastly, let me introduce to you - the mystery tomb.  Traditionally thought to be a member of the Vaux family, this is thought instead to be yet another Dacre, though he's likely to be earlier, of fifteenth century date:-

 

I have omitted the most poignant monument, which was in fact one of the most modern.  It comprised a terracotta model of Elizabeth Dacre Howard, who died at the age of four months in 1883. 

Despite the long period since her death, the loss felt by her grieving parents were clearly evident in this very emotive memorial.

As my supervisor used to quote, Death makes the meanest of us sacred...