“Hodie mihi cras tibi”

St Nicholas, Bedfield, Suffolk




Above is a computer enhanced image of the Bedfield momento mori.....

I am a big fan of the “Momento Mori” symbolism found in churches and cathedral, something which is rarely seen in more modern memorial and grave stone.  

The “momento mori” remind us of our mortality and limited time on earth and come in many forms. Skulls and crossed bones are common, but other symbols include hour glasses and full skeletons.

The above image is of a black slate ledger slab from the floor of Bedfield church which dates from 1657. It features in the upper area a primitive looking skull with what looks like a crop of hair and some great looking teeth. Either side of this skull is the motto “ Hodie mihi cras tibi” which in true momento mori style means “My turn today, yours tomorrow”.

The memorial is to Thomas Dunston of Bedfield Hall Manor who died on Christmas Day 1657. Interestingly although today on the 25^th December we now celebrate this as Christmas Day then it was illegal thanks to Oliver Cronwell.

Thomas Dunston was the grandson of Sir William Dunston who was the parson at Bedfield during the reformation from 1520 to 1559. Thomas lived at Bedfield Hall from 1610 until his death in 1657.



Bedfield church is open every day.