de Northwode Brass Rubbings

Location: Library Information Common, main floor, West wing (around the corner near the fire exit)

These brass rubbings were donated to Red Deer College Library by Charlie and Jean Campbell. Mr. Campbell was an English instructor at the College in the 1960s and 70s.

The famous de Northwode brasses, which commemorate Sir John de Northwode and his wife Joan, a lady of the Badlesmere family, lie on the floor of the south chancel between the choir stalls located in the Abbey Church of St. Mary and St. Sexburgha, Minster, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England. They date from between 1325 and 1330, and are of special interest as displaying modes of armour and lady's attire prevalent during the early years of Edward III's reign. The delineation of the habits and equipment shows marked traces of French influence.

Sir John (image on the right) is represented wearing a bascinet (headpiece) of plain steel with ornamental border. Below it is a camail, which protected the neck and shoulders, of banded mail (rings of metal sewn in rows on a leather foundation). The head rests on an embroidered cushion. The body is protected by a hauberk of banded mail, of which the sleeves are visible, and also part of the skirt, which is straight-edged and slit at front and sides. Over the hauberk is the then-fashionable cyclas, a light surcoat reaching to the knees behind, but only to the middle of the thighs in front, with a slit up the sides. The large concave shield, charged with the de Northwode arms (ermine, a cross engrailed, gules), is suspended by a long guige (strap) over the left thigh, just below the sword hilt, and secured further by a buckled belt. The crossed legs are a symbol that the person fought in the Crusades, while the small lion at the feet is a symbol of a violent death.

The brass of Lady Joan (image on the left) is one of the oldest brasses to a Lady Extant in England. Lady Joan is shown wearing a long, close-fitting kirtle with tight sleeves, fastened at the wrists by bands. Over this is a loose, voluminous mantle, wrapped about the entire person and gathered up under one arm. There are wide openings for the arms, and from the shoulder, large pointed lappets fall over the bosom, showing the lining of vair (a species of compound fur, made up of numerous small pieces of different coloured skins). A wimple shrouds the neck and chin, betokening noble birth. The hair is braided in two thick plaits and the head, which has no fillet or kerchief, rests on a cushion embroidered with a diapered pattern. A lapdog is at the feet, symbolizing a peaceful death.