William Stockton, Kt., effigy - St Mary - Burrough on the Hill, Leicestershire - Stone Church Artefacts on Waymarking.com

A stone effigy of William Stockton, Knight, d.1470, in St Mary's church, Burrough on the Hill.

At the east end of the south aisle is the stone effigy of a man in armour, his feet resting on a lion. It is thought to represent William Stockton (d. 1470).

"Beneath the east end window of the south aisle lays the effigy of Sir William de Stockden. Like his lady wife (visit link) ,his pillow too, is supported by two angels. He wears a helmet and his face and neck are protected by a chain-mail camail. Over his plate armour he wears a shortened surcoat or jupon, probably of leather. He carries his great sword on his sword belt to his left side and on his right side a dagger. A battle axe rests between his legs and his boots are spurred. A shield is borne around the neck of a lion which lies at his feet. Above the effigy is an illuminated inscription, probably a copy of the original Latin. "Hic jacet WILLIELMUS DE STOCKDEN, quondus dominus de Erdburrowe, et Margareta uxor ejus, filia Johannis Skeffington, qui Willielmus obiit 1470" Translated it reads, "Here lies William de Stockden formerly Lord of the manor of Erdburrowe and Margaret his wife, daughter of John de Skeffington. William died in 1470." William was about 38 years old when he died. Was 1470 a significant year in the battles between the Yorkists and Lancastrians? Perhaps he was on the wrong side or just died of a common ailment. However, he had obviously married in 1437, Margaret, daughter of John Skeffington (of the nearby village of Skeffington) and a son was born, also named William. It is somewhat strange that the Visitation should construct an otherwise excellent pedigree, yet the name of William and his son is given as 'Stockden' when clearly they should be 'Burrow'. We shall never know either, how 'Stockton' became 'Stockden' or even if this was the original beginning of the name. However, even today, a Lord may still have a family name whilst known publicly as for example 'Lord Somerset' or 'Lord Pembroke'."

SOURCE - (visit link)

Approximate Age of Artefact: 1470 Relevant Website: Not listed

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