The Knight on the Bed of Stones

The 'Knights on the Bed of Stones' is the name applied to a group of three related and totally unique box tombs in three East Anglian churches. The effigy of the knight buried in each tomb lies in a strangely twisted position on a very uncomfortable bed of stones - perhaps flint pebbles. Two of the tombs are in Norfolk - in Reepham St Mary's and Ingham churches. Both of these knights were involved in the Hundred Years War and spent time in France but no-one is quite sure of the significance of the bed of stones. The third tomb is said to be a later copy and is in the church at Burrough Green in Cambridgeshire.

The Reepham tomb, almost certainly the tomb of Sir William de Kerdistone who fought at Crecy, is the finest and best preserved. The caqrving on the knight himself is of extremely high standard. His feet rest on a lion and his arms are carried by an angel on the side of the canopy. The twelve 'weepers' round the side of the tomb have been brightly painted although most of this medieval painting has now disappeared.

The tomb is presently being conserved to prevent further deterioration. If you wish to visit St Mary's there is more information in the church.