This tomb effigy was discovered in an underfloor vault during excavations in a chapel space at Lesnes Abbey, Kent. The chapel was probably the site of the Abbey's Lady Chapel, which was built in the 1370s. This effigy is somewhat older than that, and this would explain its unusual placement in an underfloor vault: it was either in an earlier chapel on this site, or was moved here from elsewhere in the abbey.

There is a pike fish (i.e. a luce) scratched into the shield borne by the knight. This may reflect the original decoration of this shield. The pike fish formed part of the arms of the de Lucy family. The family were patrons of the church from its foundation until the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Gallery location:
Medieval & Renaissance, Room 9, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Gallery, case 5

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London