This is an effigy of John Chambers the last abbot and first bishop of Peterborough.
Described in the 17th century as being exquisitely carved, with a mitre and robe, and feet resting on a lion, this effigy was mutilated during the English Civil War.
Chambers was appointed abbot of Peterborough in 1528, and in 1530 was one of the English signatories that wrote to Pope Clement VII in support of Henry VIII's divorce from Katharine of Aragon.
In 1534 he, along with 41 other monks, he repudiated papal authority and acknowledged Henry as Supreme Head of the Church of England, and he was in attendance when Katharine of Aragon was buried in the abbey church. (see previous photo)
When Richard Layton, the agent of Henry VIII in the dissolution of the monasteries had marked down Peterborough as his next target, Chambers tried by bribery to save his abbey, but to no avail.
The abbey was surrendered to the king in 1539, Chambers being appointed guardian with an annual pension.
On 4 September 1541 letters patent were issued converting the abbey church of Peterborough into a cathedral church.
Chambers now became the first bishop of the new see, and was consecrated the 23rd of October 1541, by Bishop Thomas Goodrich of Ely.
He died on the 7th of February 1556, and was buried in the choir of his cathedral on the 6th of March.
Today's postings are the last in my short series of shots from Peterborough Cathedral. I have no idea what tomorrow brings!
Very topical in the light of the TV series Wolf Hall. Chambers came out of the reformation quite well as it happened then....no head lost! Interesting carving ...it all looks very old which it is of course!
Oh I'm so behind and trying to catch up - I'm going to try and get through your older work as you always have interesting stories . love the processing, wonderful detail
