George Shirley and family tomb - Breedon-on-the-hill, Leicestershire
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walwyn Sun, 10/18/2009 - 18:57
Colossal alabaster monument almost has high as the north wall. Built in 1598 by Richard & Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent it is dedicated to George Shirley (d1588) and his wife. This is one of three tombs in the church for the Shirley family.
At ground level it has a gisant or cadaver between columns. Above are five large priant figures, including three children and two small infants in two coffered arched recesses. Above all this are the armorial achievements flanked by two putti.
An inscription tells us that his wife died in childbirth aged 29.
The other tombs in the church are all by Richard & Gabriel Royley. Tomb of John Shirley (d1570), and the tomb of Francis Shirley (d1571).
