Tomb in St. Mary's Church

ST. MARY’S CHURCH is a very fine example of a town church, built in the Perpendicular style of architecture prevalent during the Fifteenth Century.

The nave took nearly a hundred years to build, and while it was being erected Wycliffe performed his great work as "the Morning Star of the Reformation," the revolt of the Percies took place, Henry V. conquered Agincourt, Joan of Arc rescued France and was martyred, and the Wars of the Roses were fought. The church contains many objects of beauty and interest, and amongst these the great tombs in the North Transept are worthy of notice.

The canopy with its four empty niches and its wealth of Lancastrian Rose decoration, is part of the great tomb erected to commemorate Thomas Thurland, a Nottingham merchant, who died in 1474.

The slab of Purbeck marble under this canopy belongs to another tomb, that of William of Amiens, to whom is assigned the building of portions of Gedling Church. The Alabaster tomb-chest which supports this slab, is that of John de Tannesley, who died in 1414.

It is out of place, and is some seventy years older than the great canopy under which it how rests. During the Fourteenth Century the Alabaster workers of Nottingham had brought their profession to a high degree of skill and popularity, and their products were known far and wide.

Peter Mason, who lived in St. Mary’s-gate, was the best-known amongst them, and articles from their shops may be found all over England and Western Europe.

The carvings on this tomb-chest, with their delicate display of fancy, are worthy of the most careful study.