There are a number of monumental brasses in St Mary’s Church, many of which belong to members of the Carew family.

The oldest and most notable is that of Philippa Carew (1401 – 1414) and 13 of her siblings (Guy, John, John, John, John, William, William, Eleanor, Lucy, Agnes, Agnes, Margaret and Anne) who died in infancy. They were the children of Nicholas and Mercy Carew.

Phillipa is shown standing in the upper part of the brass, and beneath her are the heads and shoulders of her thirteen siblings. The Carew coat of arms is also displayed in both top and bottom part of the brass.

Philippa may have been given prominence in this brass because she was the eldest child to die, and her parents had formed a stronger bond with her.

Inscription

“Here lies Philippa, daughter of Nicholas Carew and Mercy, his wife, who once [lived] with her brothers and sisters whose names are sculpted below.”

This is one of several brasses located in the church chancel. Located under a red carpet, placed there in the early 20th century to protect these memorials.

Featured Image Copyright: Stella Fitzgerald @stella_fitzgerald

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