Summary
A C17 gravestone against the south wall of the chancel of St Peter's Church (Grade I), Wrestlingworth
Description
A Headstone, dated 1657, of limestone, with inverted C-scrolled crest carvings to top left and right of stone with further scroll and floral motif placed centrally. The inscription reads, RICARDUS THISTLE/ THWAITE BACAL ARTIUM/ 1657
History
St Peter's Church (Grade I) dates from the C12 with later additions and alterations, it was restored in the C19. The graveyard primarily contains memorials from the C17-C19 including a series of later-C17 and early-C18 listed examples (NHLE entries 1138293, 1138295, 1114106, 1114105 and 1321638). These and the stone being assessed have been considered in more detail by H. Mytum and K. Chapman in 'The Origin of the Graveyard Headstone: some 17th-century examples in Bedfordshire', 2006.
The gravestone is a well-preserved example of a C17 funerary monument. It has been suggested that the stone may have been moved at some point in the past as it is currently located very close to the chancel wall, however, it is likely to have been in its current location for many years and since the designation of the other listed stones in the graveyard.
Richard Thistlethwaite's burial is recorded on the National Burial Index for England and Wales and it appears from genealogical records that he was part of the Thistlethwaite family from Sedbergh near York. As noted by Mytum and Chapman 'the burial records for 14 August 1657 records "Richard Thistlethwaite B. A." which is what the inscription claims and the university qualification was clearly of significance".
Reasons for Listing
The headstone of Richard Thistlethwaite in St Peter's Churchyard, Wrestlingworth, dated 1657, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural interest:
* as a fine surviving example of mid-C17 funerary monument with sophisticated carved detail and letterwork.
Group value:
* as part of an important grouping of C17 and C18 monuments within a historic churchyard.
External Links
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
Recommended Books
Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Old House Handbook 2 Books Bundle Collection (Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair,Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability)
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)