The Tomb of John De Pitchford is a 13th-century carved effigy and tomb chest of John De Pitchford (d. 1285), located at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Pitchford, Shropshire, England.[1]
Although little record survives of John De Pitchford's life, he is assumed to have been either a knight or sheriff.[2] [3] His monument is positioned in the chancel of the church, and is made from solid oak, making it one of only three extant 13th-century English tombs retaining their original wooden elements.[4] [5]
De Pitchford's head rests on a flat and shallow cushion, and is dressed in garments that include a knee length surcoat.[6] He holds a sword but his shield is now missing (the remnants of its holding strap can be seen on his left side).[7] The animal at his feet may be either a lion or a dog. The effigy rests on an oblong chest whose sides are lined with niches containing three-foiled arches, within which are heraldry shields seemingly hanging on hooks from the arches.
As traces of paint have been found on it, the wood may have originally been painted with bright colours.[8]