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 Thomas de Ratcliffe Recumbent priest Freestone 1389

Under a canopy in an arch in the north wall of the chancel is the full-length figure of a tonsured ecclesiastic in his cowl with his hands uplifted in prayer and feet on a dog. Cleaned and renovated in 1997, the effigy is in very good condition. This is supposed to represent Thomas de Ratcliffe STP (Sacrae Theologiae Professor) a celebrated preacher, who was Bishop of Dromore, Ireland and Suffragan Bishop of Durham. Thomas, who was born in Ratcliffe, is believed to have been a member of the Basset family, the then lords of the manor. He became an Augustinian Friar in Leicester where he was ordained. A man of high intelligence who was somewhat held back by his sterile monastic existence, Thomas kept his mind active by writing a number of books including Scholastic Lectures and Sermons to the Common People. Ratcliffe died a little before 1389. 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.