014 14th Century Tomb

One of the delights of going to Bottom School was that being a "church school" (now Thomas Whitehead School), on certain days of the year we attended All Saints Church for a service and then had the rest of the day off - much to the dismay of those who went to Top School - which had no affiliation. So I would have seen this fellow on numerous occasions whilst at junior school.

The tomb is said to be of Sir John de Sewell.

A 14th century tomb
Sir John lies at rest
in unlimited night-time
and, in his unlimbed repose,
he sings no more.
Fogged by years
he listens, with carved ears,
to the doings of the days
he would not understand
but hears, no more, the battle-sounds
that spirited his wounds
in chivalrous bravery.
Out of time and out of place,
still he lies
in sweet embrace
of daily dust
and the glow
of prayer.

If you have any further information that we can add to the description or wish, for some reason, for the picture or information to be removed, please email, stating the reason and image catalogue number to: HRHS Archive