Relhan Collection : 11 Balsham church. Transcript of inscription on brass of John de Sleford, 1401

Relhan, Richard, 1782-1844

Relhan Collection

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>This verse inscription that runs around the border of the brass has been translated as:</p><p>‘John Sleford, appointed as Rector and having been abandoned by the World, not a severe man in the use of money, lies portrayed here, beneath the stone. He was a protector of just men and a constant punisher of vices, Whom King Edward, lingering into evil days had loved. He ruled his (the king’s) Wardrobe while he prospered). He built this church; he never grieved for it afterwards. He made these stalls, pouring out gold and silver liberally. He was a Canon first of Wells, then of Ripon. He, who recorded the acts of the English kingdoms, Departed (this life) by a gentle death on the feast of Edward the King, the year 1400 being complete. His body was carried down to the grave, adding to this the first (year of the new century). O merciful Christ I pray that this man may enter heaven. May he know nothing sorrowful, because he (Christ) bore it for all men’.</p><p>The inscription above de Sleford’s soul translates as ‘O Holy Trinity, I beseech you to receive me at the end’.</p><p>Translations by the Monumental Brass Society, published on Balsham Parish Council website.</p></p>