Rubbing2024.32 - Thomas Sulton M.A Rector
Title
Rubbing2024.32 - Thomas Sulton M.A Rector
Description
Rector
Inscription:
The Latin Inscription:
"Dum vixit Rector . de Tanfeld nomine Thomas |
Sutton En iacet hic graduatus et ille magister |
Artibus ac eciam Canonicus hic que Westchester |
Sic Norton(?) victor fundite vota precor."
English translation
"The rector of Tanfield while he lived, by the name of Thomas Sutton, alas lies here, both a graduate (bachelor) and a master of arts, and indeed canon here and in Westchester. Thus, "Norton was victor"?. I entreat you, pour out your prayers."
(Translated by Bard Swallow)
There is a long standing puzzle associated with the line "Norton was victor"? because it does not make sense but it also is not a mistake.
Notes on the Parchment: Tanfield Kent Thos. Sutton 1490
Description of Rubbing: He is standing and facing forward with his hands in prayer on 4 lines of inscription (see inscription). His robes hit the floor and he had a shorter cape to his ankles over top. The cape has wide detailed and embroidered edges was a different pattern than the embroidered bottom edge. There were lots of pleats with open sleeves.
Inscription:
The Latin Inscription:
"Dum vixit Rector . de Tanfeld nomine Thomas |
Sutton En iacet hic graduatus et ille magister |
Artibus ac eciam Canonicus hic que Westchester |
Sic Norton(?) victor fundite vota precor."
English translation
"The rector of Tanfield while he lived, by the name of Thomas Sutton, alas lies here, both a graduate (bachelor) and a master of arts, and indeed canon here and in Westchester. Thus, "Norton was victor"?. I entreat you, pour out your prayers."
(Translated by Bard Swallow)
There is a long standing puzzle associated with the line "Norton was victor"? because it does not make sense but it also is not a mistake.
Notes on the Parchment: Tanfield Kent Thos. Sutton 1490
Description of Rubbing: He is standing and facing forward with his hands in prayer on 4 lines of inscription (see inscription). His robes hit the floor and he had a shorter cape to his ankles over top. The cape has wide detailed and embroidered edges was a different pattern than the embroidered bottom edge. There were lots of pleats with open sleeves.
Source
Butler, L. 2003. "Why Did Northon Conquer Sutton? A Puzzle from West Tanfield." Medieval Yorkshire (Journal of Yorkshire Archaeological Society Medieval Section) 32: 17-19. Yale Center for British Art. 2025. "Thomas Sutton, M. A. Rector, the Parish Church of St. Nicholas, West Tanfield." Yale.edu. 2025. https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:84037.
Date
1490
Format
Parchment 50.5cm x 76.5cm
Rubbing 33.5cm x 56cm
Coverage
The Parish Church of St. Nicholas West Tanfield, Kent
Files
Collection
Citation
“Rubbing2024.32 - Thomas Sulton M.A Rector,” Exhibits, accessed April 20, 2025, https://exhibits.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/29299.