Carlon Curlieu is a very small village or probably better termed hamlet in South Leicestershire about 2 miles east of Kibworth Beauchamp. With only a few houses and one road passing through it you would be unlikely to find it unless you were looking for it. In the centre of the village surrounded by trees is the church od St Marys. It is usually kept locked but the lady who lives in the adjacent cottage usually has a key.
On first entering the church it doesnt look to hold anything of any great interest, but don't rush walk towards the East end and pause in front of the organ which sits on the north side for behind it lies a wonderful memorial, hidden away in the small north chapel. The area is dark and has the feel of a store room rather than a chapel. Its not a place for those who dont like spiders and cobwebs, but try and find the light switch which illuminates a single bulb, then stand back and enjoy the medieval splender of what lies before you.
The detail in the alabaster is superb and the clothing and armour perfect. The memorial is to Sir Joh Bale Lord of the Manor who departed tis life in 1621, almost 400 years ago.
The full memorial can be seen below:-
The full memorial can be seen below:-
As you can see from the image below the memorial is easy to miss with the organ filling most of the arch.
The church is usually kept locked but a key is usually available at the cottage next door, details in the porch
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