bishop

The effigy of Sir John Stretch (d.1390) preserves his armour, posture, and the lion beneath his feet, a symbol of courage, nobility, and Israelite heritage. While the original paint was removed and his nose and lips deliberately filed down, the monument still reveals the likeness of a swarthy (i.e., black) medieval knight. It stands as a testament to status, lineage, and selective erasure in medieval Britain.

The effigy of Bishop Thomas Charlton (d.1343) at Hereford Cathedral preserves his long scriptural garment and detailed hair and beard. While the nose and lips were deliberately altered, the monument still reveals the swarthy features of this medieval bishop. It stands as a striking testament to status, identity, and selective erasure in medieval Britain.