Francis Tanfield was a member of a gentry family long settled at Gayton, Northamptonshire. The Tanfields held land in the county from at least the 14th century, and like many such families, maintained their position through estate management and service in local administration. Francis died in 1558, and his monument in St Mary’s Church was probably commissioned by his widow soon afterwards.

This wooden sculpture of the Virgin and Child, dating to the fourteenth century (most probably the mid to late 1300s, though sometimes described as early fifteenth century), is of Continental—likely French—origin.

Gilbert de Clare, 5ème comte de Gloucester, et son père Richard de Clare, ont été parmi les 25 barons qui se sont engagés à appliquer les dispositions de la Magna Charta. Comme résultat, les deux à la fois furent excommuniés par le pape Innocent III.