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NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE Robert and Elenora Hesilrigg Recumbent knight and lady Alabaster 1530

At the east end of the north aisle lie the effigies of Robert and Eleanor Hesilrigg. Robert, holding a scroll, is depicted with medium length hair with his head resting on a helm. With the left foot and part of his sword missing, he is wearing a mail shirt, high cape of plated armour and an SS collar. The vambraces form a cross with a rose in the centre. The dagger, which hilt is also decorated with a rose, hangs from the belt. The feet are encased in square-toed shoes that are resting on a, now headless, collared dog. Lady Elenora's head is resting on a double cushion that was originally supported by angels. She is depicted in a folded cap with lappets, a triple row of necklaces, cordon, mantle, kirkle and a belt. Her hands, now missing, were in the attitude of prayer. Two dogs are playing by her ankles. The tomb-chest, which may be from the same workshop as that for Mary and Elizabeth Nele at Prestwold has round cusped arches, below which are alternate angels holding shields and seated beadsmen holding either a staff or a rosary. At the head of the tomb the Deity is seen in glory with a dead Christ on his knees. At God's right side is a kneeling barelegged man, while on the left is an angel holding a shield. This is one of the last examples of the monastic motif for, with the onset of the Reformation; classical symbols took over from religious imagery. The inscription round the edge of the chest reads: Pientissimas Christianorum preces erposciunt magister Robertus Hasylryg armiger, filius Willmi Hasylryg armigeri, domini de Nosley, et Elinora uxor Roberti prĉdicti, et filia Johannis Shirley, armigeri domini de Stanton Harold, quĉ quidem Elenora Altissimo reddidit spiritum anno salutis Mille quingesimo vicesimo nono, certo die Martii: quorum omnium animis propiciet qui suo sanguine reclamavit, amen. Kyrie eleson Christe elesim. (Master Robert Hesilrige esquire, the son of William Hesilrige esquire, Lord of Nosely, and Eleanor, the wife of the aforesaid Robert and daughter of John Shirley esquire, Lord of Staunton Harrold, request the most pious prayers of Christian men. Indeed this Eleanor returned her spirit to the Most High One in the year of Salvation 1530 on a certain day in March. All of whose souls He will propitiate who has cleansed them with His own blood. Amen. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.) Pevsner mentions that there is a similar monument at Clifton Campville, Staffordshire. 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.