Aldworth - St Mary

These effigies represent members of the de la Beche family, lords of the manor in the 14th century, although it is not possible to identify them individually. The effigies are very mutilated but are non-the-less of great interest. Six of the effigies lie under canopies against the north and south walls - three on either side. These canopies were over restored by Aubin in 1817, although Earp did the actual carving. These monuments date from the 1340's. The other three effigies, which are of a similar date, although possible a little later, lie on tomb chests under the arcading between the south aisle and nave. 
South-West (left top) This very mutilated effigy is probably that of a civilian, this being  more certain when the now missing parts, which were once recorded, are considered. The position of the damaged animal at the feet suggests that the legs (now lost) were once crossed. The arms are also lost but, judging from the remnants, were probably in the praying position.. Soft limestone.
South-Central (left next) This is of a lady; she turns outwards to regard the observer. Although this is the most complete of the effigies, it is very worn and damp. Her body sways slightly and her hands hold up her cloak. There appears to have been two angels (one now virtually gone) holding her pillow and, unusually, a third angel helping her hold her cloak on the right hand side. Oolitic limestone.
South-East (left next) This is a military effigy and very worn. His whole body now turns outwards, for which reason I have drawn him from the side. His head rests on a double pillow and he wears a helmet with the vizor raised. The left hand holds his shield well away from his body and the right hand his sword. Soft limestone.
North-West  (right top) A military effigy; his head, turned slightly outwards, rests on a single pillow. His left hand holds his shield and his right hand rests on his sword pommel. He wears a helmet and a long surcoat, cut short at the front. The mail shirt is visible but the mail is not represented. The legs, mostly missing, are crossed. Soft limestone.
North-Central (right-next) This effigy is similar to the one above but with interesting variations. His head rests on a large double pillow and he wears a helmet with mail for the neck. Again he turns outward to regard the lady opposite. He again wears a long surcoat, cut short at the front, but, once more, what would have been his mail shirt is not carved. His legs (more complete than those of his companion) are crossed and his feet rest on a large lion. His shield appears to be held be a strap and his left hand (which shows evidence of armour) rests on his sword. The right hand rests on his chest and appears to hold the strap supporting the shield. Soft limestone.
North-East (right-next) This military effigy is very different to the others and most unusual. His attitude is almost like a Jacobean effigy: he reclines on one side, leaning on his right elbow with the hand supporting the head - although rather he once did as this hand is now mainly lost as is the forearm. His legs are drawn up and his legs crossed below the knees. At his feet sits his page. There are effigies of a similar - but by now means as extreme - attitude in Exeter Cathedral (one shows a groom holding a horse as well as a page) and Bere Ferrers in Devon. A wooden effigy of very similar attitude may be seen in Chew Magna, Somerset; this is dated by Fryer to 1340-50; it is now very heavily painted . He wears an elaborately carved helmet with a raised visor and a long surcoat. 
This latter  is held by a belt around the waist and there is a wider and more elaborately carved sword belt below. Plate armour encloses the limbs, which is again elaborately carved - except for the thighs which are enclosed in a quilted material. Between his legs can be seen the tails of a quilted garment. The effigy is in the round with no slab, although the detached page (once attached by dowels) does have such a slab. He may have rested on a shield. Oolitic limestone.
Centre-West (left next) Another military effigy with armour of a slightly later fashion. He lies in a more conventional fashion with straight legs (although now mostly lost) and hands in prayer. His head rests on a helmet and he wears a pointed bascinet with what was probably a mail tippet, although again there is no carving, falling onto his shoulders. The arms are enclosed in plate of which the straps and joints can be seen. He wears a short surcoat, which is tightly laced above the waist and loose below. There are remains of a sword which is held be a thick belt with an elaborate buckle. Oolitic limestone. No slab; the effigy rest on a tomb chest of Purbeck marble slabs.
Centre-East  (right next) There are two effigies here - an knight and a lady. They lie on a tomb chest with  bases of pillars at each corner, indicating that there was perhaps once a canopy.
The lady is now headless. Her body sways delightfully, her right hand holds up her cloak or dress and the left holds the tie of her cloak which is tucked under her right arm. Her feet rest on an animal. No slab. Beerstone.