John Peckham (ODNB Pecham) (1230-1292) was the only friar to become Archbishop of Canterbury, a post he held from 1279 until his death. He brought to the Priory a stricter observance of the Benedictine tradition. The respect in which he was held is reflected in the honour of a burial place in the Martyrdom.

 

What to see:

 

• a fine early example of a decorated-style canopy complete with ogees and cusps (Image 1)

• the oak wood effigy on a Purbeck marble slab, showing Peckham wearing his chasuble (sleeveless outer garment) covering his pallium fixed with three pins

• on Peckham's head, fixing for the missing silver mitre (Image 2)

• one of the earliest examples of weepers on the side of a tomb - these represent Peckham's suffragan bishops

 

Sources:  see standard cathedral sources

DL