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NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE Francis Staresmore Recumbent knight Alabaster by ?Epiphanius Evesham 1626: Erected in 1631

Depicted in armour Francis lies on the north side of the chancel on a tomb-chest covered in a fringed (alabaster) sheet. The effigy's curly-haired head is resting on a tasselled cushion. He has a ruff round his neck; shoulder plates (which show signs of rivets) and a breastplate with a pronounced ridge coming down to a point. Holding a book in his right hand he is wearing straight-toed shoes with armour plate on the lower legs, knees and thighs. The tomb, which carries the arms of Staresmore (Argent, a fess vert between three toteaux) and crest (a starling proper), also depicts his children. On the north side are the eight, including two in cradles, by his second wife, Frances Brocas, who lies on the south side of the chancel. On the south side are the three children by his first wife, Christine Chippendale. At time of writing (1993) these three effigies the style of which points strongly to the work of Epiphanius Evesham, have been removed prior to restoration. A signed monument in Lynsted, Kent, bears almost identical figures. The inscription reads: Here lieth the bodie of Francis Staresmore, esq. late Lord of this towne, and Jus tice of the Peace, and Deputie Lieutenant for the Countie of Leicester; who at the time of his death served in Parliament, being elected knight for this shire. He was the son of Sabin Staresmore esq. likewise Lord of this mannor, by Elizabeth Stanley, daughter to Walter Stanley, of West Bro much in the countie of Stafford, esq. Hee died the eighth of May, Anno Domini 1626, beinge aged 47. Frances Staresmore, widdow to Francis Staresmore, and one of the daughters and heires of William Brocas of Threddingworth, esq. to the memorie of her beloved husband, erected this monument, in the yeare of Our Lord 1631. On the north side: These bee the issue; to wit, William, Katherine, George, John, Dorothy, Annah, John, Robert, which the said Francis Staresmore had by his beloved wife Frances Brocas, one of the daughters and heires of William Brocas, of Threddingworth, esq. On the south side: These be the issue; to wit, Francis, Elizabeth, and Henry, which the said Francis Staresmore had by his beloved wife Christian Chippindale, one of the daughters of John Chippingdale, Doctor of the civil Law, and Justice of the Peace, of Leicester, esq. 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.