Elizabeth Etchingham (died December 3, 1452)

[reviews_and_ramblings]

At The Assumption & St Nicolas (High Street, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7AR), there is a XV century memorial brass to Elizabeth Etchingham and Agnes Oxenbridge. Both are depicted, with equal force, turned towards each other in semi-profile, a design shift that only began by 1480. The workshop charged with creating the brass broke from its pattern of distanced poses when creating this particular example. The iconography suggests two women who shared an affectionate relationship: their gowns are arranged in such a way as to suggest movement towards each other. They look directly at each other. The simple brass perhaps tells a complex story of intimacy between the women. The parish church is Grade I listed and was built around 1366-9 by Sir William de Etchingham, who is buried in the church. It is regarded as one of the finest medieval churches in Sussex.

Timeline & Places:

December 3, 1452: death. Buried: The Assumption & St Nicolas, High Street, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7AR, Buried alongside Agnes Oxenbridge (died August 4, 1480)

References:

Queer Places, Vol. 2.1: Retracing the Steps of LGBTQ people around the World
ISBN-13: 978-1532906312 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1532906315
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/6228833
Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1532906315/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IZ1KZBO/?tag=elimyrevandra-20