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Guide to St Mary's Church

Easter Sepulchre

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Easter Sepulchre mark on pillar

The Consecration Cross on the Chancel Pillar, shown here at approximately twice actual size, at the entrance to St Michael's Chapel. This has been dated at approximately 1330. It is to be found on the west face of the fourth bay from the east of the north chancel arcade. Discoveries in the Priest's Rooms suggest that an Easter Sepulchre stood here. This was a monument of great splendour in which the Host was deposited from Good Friday to Easter Day The Easter Sepulchre is mentioned in the ordinances (1413) of the Bowyers and Fletchers. The Sepulchre is also mentioned in the will of Cecilie Lepyngton, a widow, in 1526 where she makes a bequest 'to the said kirke my best oversee bed called the Baptest as an ornament to the sepulchre of oure Saviour Criste Jhesu at the fest of Ester'.
Last modified: 27 September, 2004