History in Structure

Old Church of Holy Rood

A Grade I Listed Building in Whorlton, North Yorkshire

Meynell Tomb, Whorlton Old Church

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The Meynell tomb on the north side of the chancel is surmounted by a crocketed canopy with cinquefoiled semicircular arch, and bears a hollow oak effigy. On each side of the tomb are seven mutilated shields, those on the south bearing the arms of Roos, Latimer, Darcy, Greystock (twice), Nevill and FitzHugh, the evidence of which points to a date about the first quarter of the 15th century. The figure, that of an unknown knight, is older and is supposed to represent Sir Nicholas de Meynell. Nicholas was the younger son of Stephen de Meynell and obtained a grant of free warren in Whorlton in 1269. He was summoned to Parliament as a baron in 1295. His wife Christiana, whom he accused of attempting to poison him was declared innocent and received various dower lands after his death. The effigy is 6 ft. in length, and the costume represents the knight in mail coif with a narrow fillet round thetemples, hauberk, and mail hose with knee cops, andlong surcoat reaching nearly to the ankles. The head rests on two cushions and the right leg is crossed over the left. The feet, which rest on a dog, 'appear as if they were uncovered and the toes are visible, yet for all that they are armed with spurs and the straps still remain.' The hands are in prayer, and a girdle with a long pendant is looped over the sword belt. The sword, in its scabbard, hangs in front of the figure.

The arch formerly opened into the chapel, the existing recess, which is only 5 ft. 6 in. deep, being modern.

Uploaded by Antony Cairns
on 9 July 2011

Photo ID: 16841
Building ID: 101294328
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