A Once 'Proud Prelate': An Unidentified Episcopal Monument in Ely Cathedral
Author: Sayers, Jane
Source: Journal of the British Archaeological Association, Volume 162, Number 1, 2009 , pp. 67-87(21)
Publisher: Maney Publishing
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Abstract:
Ely cathedral is well known for its fine medieval monuments, especially for the tombs of the 13th-century bishops, Hugh of Northwold and William of Kilkenny. It also possesses a fine marble slab of 12th-century date which has been associated with Bishop Nigel; and from the 14th century, what must have been a very imposing monument indeed, that of Bishop William of Louth (de Luda). Not so prominent is what remains of another episcopal tomb of distinction. The figure has lost its head, but even so the workmanship is clearly of high quality. Although some interest has been shown in it over the years, it has never been fully investigated. The present paper examines all the evidence relating to this effigy: the details of the whereabouts of the burials as given in the manuscripts and other written sources, and the visual evidence of the style of the effigy and its decoration in order to arrive at a likely date for its execution. Comparisons with other surviving contemporary monuments are made and finally the search is narrowed down to two possible identifications, Bishop Hugh of Balsham and Bishop John Kirkby, and the most likely one is revealed.Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1179/006812809x12448232842376
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