Memorial Brass

At Leeds Minister, a few wall brasses have survived from the 1450s. One pair, of Sir John and Lady Eufemia Langton, show the couple as they wish to be remembered. He, in his knightly armour, very much the warrior; she in her hooded gown, hands clasped in pious prayer. Next door, an inscription to Thomas Clarell, who was vicar of Leeds. For him, an inscription in almost illegible heavy script and a communion chalice typical of the period. A reminder that he, as a priest of the Roman Church, could command wine to turn to blood, a visual reminder of his sacramental power. Yet those many thousands who died at that time without the estates to pay for memorial brasses, suits of armour, velvet frocks and ornamental cups- what of them? The God of heaven saw the heart of each one, and needed no memorial to jog His memory.