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NAME TYPE MATERIAL DATE Roger Bellar Recumbent knight Alabaster 1326

This is the earliest example in the two counties of a knight's head resting on his helm - hitherto the head is depicted resting on cushions. Roger is depicted in a coif de maile, haubergeon, triangular elbow pieces, bascinet and camail. The belt remains; but the sword, dagger and hands are missing. On the breast is the Bellar coat of a lion rampant, while the feet, encased in chausses, rest on a lion couchant. After King Edward II's defeat at Banockburn, Roger Bellar was part of the Earl of Lancaster's force assembled at Pontefract to overcome the king. The revolt failed and after four unsettled years he was included in the amnesty of August 1318. Bellar went on to become Sheriff of Leicestershire and Chief Baron of the Exchequer. Although he married five times, he only sired two daughters, Margaret, daughter of his first wife, Margaret Rivers; and Thomasine, daughter of Catherine his fourth wife. In 1326 he met a violent death when he was murdered by Eustace de Folville. 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.