Knight of the de Lucy family

myminifactory

This medieval effigy was unearthed in a hidden underground chamber during archaeological excavations at Lesnes Abbey's chapel space in Kent. The chapel is believed to be the site of the Abbey's Lady Chapel, constructed in the 1370s. This effigy predates the chapel and its unusual placement in an underfloor vault suggests it may have been relocated from elsewhere within the abbey or was originally situated in an earlier chapel on this site. A distinctive pike fish is engraved on the shield held by the knight. This design element could be a reflection of the original decoration of the shield, as the pike fish was an integral part of the de Lucy family's coat of arms. The de Lucy family played a significant role in supporting the church from its inception until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This artifact is on display at The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.