Lady

The medieval effigy of John Blewett (c.1435) and his wife Margaret in St Mary and St Peter’s Church, Harlaxton, preserves their nobility, lineage, and identity. Though John’s face has been heavily damaged, Margaret’s remains clear, and the lamb at his feet reflects powerful spiritual symbolism tied to faith and belonging.

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.

Inside All Saints Church, Ilkley, a medieval effigy possibly of Sir Peter Middleton (d.1336) preserves a clear nose and lip outline, revealing a swarthy noble likeness. Nearby figures show extreme facial destruction, pointing to selective iconoclasm rather than age.

Explore Sir Gilbert Talbot (d.1274), a marcher noble of medieval England whose effigy preserves his lineage, status, and knightly identity through symbolism, armour, and sacred memorial tradition.

Discover Sir Thomas Grenville II, K.B. (c.1453–c.1513), Sheriff of Cornwall and West Country noble, whose effigy preserves his rank, lineage, and status despite deliberate alterations to his facial features.

Explore Bishop John Marshall (d.1496) of Llandaff Cathedral, a swarthy medieval church leader whose effigy preserves his nobility, sacred office, and enduring identity despite facial iconoclasm.

Discover the medieval effigy of the Lady of Bilton, possibly Gundreda (c.1160), daughter of Bertram Haget, whose swarthy features and noble presence endure despite centuries of deliberate defacement.

Conrad of Thuringia (German: Konrad von Thüringen; c. 1206 – 24 July 1240) was the ruler of Thuringia from 1231 to 1234 and the fifth Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights from 1239 to 1240. [1] He was the first major noble to join the military order.

White-washed priest with ancient original paint inside Somerset, Brympton D'Evercy Church, England. Early 14c monumental effigy of a priest holding a chalice, possibly the first priest of a chantry of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded here in 1306 by Sir Peter D'Evercy d1325 next to his house, endowing it with a messuage and 40 acres in the parish.