Last April 2014, we visited lots of churches in Rutland and Leicestershire, in Rutland there are some wonderful churches and most were open. I still have many to post, but when I explored St Mary’s in Ashwell, Rutland, I was amazed to find this incised slab to John Vernam, and his wife who died 1481. The slab is covered in graffiti (with names and dates from the 17th century), I know it has defaced the slab, but 1651, thats over 350 years ago, on a slab that is over 530 years old…….. sorry, I just love the age factor, I still find it amazing when I find church graffiti. The church interior was quite dark and the slab is hard up against two walls, wedged in a corner, very difficult to take shots. I did manage to take a full length view of the slab, but it came out very fuzzy, so just visualise that their robes continue down to ankle length, and the little dog sits at their feet.
Echoes of the Past 
I fully agree with you on the age factor. I am totally in awe of how long ago these things were made. I wonder if there were boys who were made to sit in the corner and killed some time by doing a little stone carving. 🙂
I think you could be right, it makes you wondered why they did it and even why they do it today, not the street art, but leaving you initials and date 🙂
Wonderful. Love it. The personal touch which semi “immortalises” the secret inscribers. Naughty but nice.
Yes, I hadn’t thought of it like that 🙂
Wow, what a find! That is old graffiti! Fantastic.
Yes, I was amazed when I saw It, it was in awkward position, but the figures are wonderful too 🙂