Hogback tombstone, Helmsley

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A rare "hogback" style grave marker stands out in the Church of All Saints, Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Hogbacks are uncommon and mostly date back to the 10th Century, suggesting they were short-lived fashion. They often signify a shift from old Norse beliefs to Christianity among Anglo-Scandinavian elite living in England at that time. Some resemble stylized "houses" placed over graves for the deceased, while others feature elaborate scenes depicting Norse religious stories carved on their sides. This example was unearthed in 1888 during church restoration, built into a section of Norman walling. Re-use and subsequent rescue efforts have damaged its sides, so we can't confirm if it originally featured more decoration, but a beautiful carved interlacing plait remains intact on the top side.