St Peter's Church, Withington (The Altar)

There is a brass tablet to William Saxeye (1612) on the north wall of the Chancel. He was Chief Justice in Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Chancel (which dates, like the rest of the church, from the 12th century) also contains some Jacobean chairs (dating from 1626 onwards), and a 17th century Communion Table.

The account of the church history doesn't suggest whether the arches behind the altar served any purpose - perhaps they may have contained statues.

The Inscription on the brass (on the wall on the left of this photo, but not visible) reads:

Here Lyeth the Bodye of William
SAXEYE Esqvier Ivstice of Peace &
Coram in this Covnty of Hereford
He was Cheefe Ivstice of ye Province
of Mvnster in Irland for ye space
of XV or XVI yeares He was
borne at Bristoll and died at
Little Thingill the VIIth of Febrvary
in the yere of ovr Lord God 1612.

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)