Home Introduction to effigies Places A–Z People A–Z Artists A–Z Heraldry Symbolism Materials Sepulchral Effigies of Leicestershire and Rutland only WWW

NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE George and Anne Smith Recumbent knight and lady Alabaster 1607: Restored in 1850 and 1989

Sir George is depicted in complete armour. His head rests on his helm while his feet rest on his gauntlets. He is wearing a stiff collar, small ruff and doublet. The greaves clearly show the hinges that connect the two sides of the armour. Anne, whose head is resting on a double cushion, is wearing a large ruff and long waisted gown with quilted sleeves. Around the ledge of the tomb is carved the inscription: Here lieth the bodies of George Smith Esq. and Anne his wife. Which George was son and heir to Francis Smith and Mary Morton his wife and deceased the last day of July 1607; and Anne was daughter to Sir Thomas Gifford of Chillingham, knight, deceased…  The date of Anne's death is left blank, an indication that the tomb was erected in her life-time. Round the tomb-chest set in plain flat arcades are representations of the couple's twelve children in various poses: seven sons – Francis (who is depicted as an adult on his own monument), Nicholas, George, Thomas, John, Robert and Edward; and five daughters – Elizabeth, Mary, Dorothy, Ann (missing) and Ursula. In the late 18th century the tomb was in a bad state of repair with the hands and feet broken off. It was, however, restored in 1850 when it was moved from its original site on the north side of the chancel to its present position in the South or Carrington Chapel. In 1989 it was again restored and rebuilt, at the cost of £5,284, by the Northampton firm of Harrison Hill Ltd of Little Oakley. It is now in an excellent condition. Well into the age of reformation, the Smith's were still devout Roman Catholics and as such considered a threat to the status quo. So much so that in 1581, Sir Francis Hastings recommended that, as Anne was 'a very obstinate Papist' it might be advisable to search her house! Whether this was for seditious material or secreted Roman Catholic priests is not known. In George's will money was left for a memorial 'with portraictures and inscriptions that shalbe thought fytte', to be built for his father in the church of St Peter, Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire. Sepulchral Effigies of Leicestershire and Rutland Text copyright Max Matthews 2002. Selected text copyright Bob Trubshaw 2025–6. Images copyright Max Matthews 2002 or Bob Trubshaw 2002, 2025–6. No copying or reproduction without prior written permission. Published by Heart of Albion Press Back to top of this page This website does not gather or store any visitor information.