Tomb of John De Pitchford
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The Tomb of John De Pitchford is a 13th-century carved effigy and tomb chest in St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Pitchford, Shropshire, England.[1]
Although little record survives of John De Pitchford's life apart from the fact that he died in 1285. His ancestral home was a previous manor house on the site of the current Pitchford Hall. His family also owned Albrighton Manor. He was a Knight who served under King Edward I against Llewelyn.[2][3] His monument is positioned in the chancel of the church,[3] and is made from solid oak, making it one of only three extant 13th-century English tombs retaining their original wooden elements.[4][5]
Description
De Pitchford's head rests on a flat and shallow cushion, and is dressed in garments that include a knee-length surcoat.[6] He holds a sword, but his shield is now missing (the remnants of its holding strap can be seen on his left side).[7] The animal at his feet may be either a lion or a dog. The effigy rests on an oblong chest whose sides are lined with niches containing three-foiled arches, within which are heraldry shields seemingly hanging on hooks from the arches.[4]
As traces of paint have been found on it, the wood may have originally been painted with bright colours.[8]