The Vernon Chapel

A detail of the monument to Sir George Vernon and his wives

The Vernon Chapel at All Saints church in Bakewell is best known for its very large monuments to various members of the Vernon and Manners families, who controlled the Manor of Bakewell from the nearby Haddon Hall.

Sir Thomas Wendesley

The oldest tomb, which depicts Sir Thomas Wendesley, provides a fine example of the work produced by the Nottingham alabaster industry that flourished from the 14th to the 16th century, but rapidly declined after the English Reformation. Dying of his wounds in battle, when fighting on the Lancastrian side, he is seen here wearing plate armour and a camail.

The tomb of John Vernon of Haddon Hall

The small tomb chest of 1477 to John Vernon of Haddon Hall is relatively austere and, given that various genealogies don't mention him, it is quite likely that he didn't acquire a position of such high status that would merit his likeness being recorded in the finest alabaster.

Sir George Vernon and his wives

The large tomb chest, which commemorates Sir George Vernon and his two wives, provides a good example of polychromy, with the alabaster being painted in bright colours. Although this soft rock/mineral is easily carved, and finely finished products were once exported from England to the rest of Europe, its translucent nature and red veining were considered to be problematic to the designers of the grand church monuments of England at this time.

Sir John Manners and Dorothy Vernon

As previously seen in Wentworth and Chesterfield, the standing wall monument to Sir John Manners and his wife Dorothy Vernon depict them on their knees and facing each other across a prayer desk, with their children below.

The monument to Sir George Manners

The largest and most impressive monument is to their son, Sir George Manners, and his wife - Grace Pierrepoint - which also depicts the whole family in prayer.

A  detail of the monument to Sir George Manners