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NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE Rosia de Verdon Recumbent female Grey Sandstone 1248: Restored in 1912

Rosia de Verdon is depicted wearing costume similar to that depicted in the English royal tombs at Fontevraunt. The head, which is dressed in a close-veil and wimple, rests on a cushion, while the close-plaited gown is fastened round the waist by a belt. The elegantly folded robe is held by the left hand, which is also holding a book. The right hand is laid upon the breast. At her feet is a griffin. At the head of the tomb-chest (a later creation than the effigy) are two kneeling figures between which two angels hold a sheet –ic of the soul being raised to heaven (see also Lutterworth). Under a trefoil canopy with side shafts, the left spandrel contains a scroll charged with a rose, while the right contains the coat of Verdun (Or fretty gules). At the head of each side of the shafts are three kneeling figures. At the feet is another figure. At the east end is a figure with arms extended on whose right stands a female, while on the left kneels a priest, dressed in an alb. In 1911 the monument, that then stood flush against the east end of the north aisle, was restored and moved to the west end of the same aisle. The slab was raised about two feet and a brass plate placed near the tomb giving the date of restoration. Also inscribed on the plaque were the names of Sir Joseph Verdin and William Verdin, the nearest surviving descendants of Rosia, and those of the vicar and churchwardens. In 1232 Rosia, who had already inherited her father's estates, came into possession of those of her deceased husband. Sometime between 1235 and 1241 she used this money to found Gracedieu Priory for the nuns of the Order of St Augustin. On her death, in 1248, she was buried in the priory where this effigy was originally erected. It was removed to Belton on the Dissolution. As is typical of the period, the creation gives the appearance of an effigy that would look better in the standing position rather than lying down. 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.