The Middleton effigy in the parish church at Ilkley, West Yorkshire. It is thought to mark the passing of Sir Peter de Middleton (c.1290 -1336), a local landowner, sheriff of Yorkshire in 1335 and one of the royal justices. Like may of the old knightly effigies and tombs, Sir Peter is damaged and carved with graffiti. Many of these ancient monuments were damaged during the iconoclasm of the Reformation and probably by bored youths forced to endure lengthy sermons.
Today they are treated with a little more respect..usually… as a historical record and a document of the dress and accoutrements of times past .
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
Such a shame that they are damaged.
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I wider if they would touch us in quite the same wa if they had survived in pristine condition?
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Yes and what a shame that all these monuments have no respect. Great words Sue.
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It is, but we all age an weather with time.
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Yes absolutely who does not.
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It is “sad” and hard to take,”….it is not what should be but what is ..” am still battling with contemplating and reflecting on this excerpt from a quote.Thank you our dear Sue, this post will be of assistance, I think.
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Thank you, Obi. X
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This makes me think of all the beautiful art this is being destroyed in the Middle East. There are no backsies. Time will have its way, but deliberate destruction breaks my heart. (K)
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I know. It was one of the things on my mind when I wrote this… once lost, such treasures are gone forever. At least this knoght carried the battlescars of time with a little pride, wearing history in the worn features and ancient graffiti.
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What a shame that this and so many other monumental pieces of art and history are destroyed. The same is happening today in the Middle East. It is so sad.
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My 15th Great Grandfather
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Wonderful to have his memorial there.
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