Acton Memorial - St Peter - Baylham, Suffolk
Posted by: SMacB
N 52° 07.339 E 001° 04.181
31U E 367850 N 5776399
A 17th century wall monument in St Peter's church, Baylham, to John and Elizabeth Acton. Between the effigies a fearful skeleton, holding an hourglass and symbolising death and mortality.
Waymark Code: WMZP4K
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/12/2018
Views: 7
A 17th century wall monument in St Peter's church, Baylham, to John and Elizabeth Acton. Between the effigies a fearful skeleton, holding an hourglass and symbolising death and mortality.
"On the south wall of the sanctuary is the splendid wall monument of Elizabeth Acton, wife of John, who died on a certain 27th March, aged 36. The year is not recorded and there is no inscription for John. The monument appears to date from the early years of the 17th century and at present it is not clear exactly whom it commemorates, but it is worth of careful examination. The effigies of John and Elizabeth kneel facing each other across a prayer-desk, presided over by a fearful skeleton, holding [in his left hand] an hourglass and symbolising death and mortality. Beneath them are their five sons and two daughters, flanked by cherubs’ faces. There are shields in the borders, one bearing her arms (the other blank), also a spade and pickaxe (other emblems of mortality) and at the summit is a handsome crest and coat of alms."
SOURCE - (
visit link)