Knight Effigy
Gilbert Marshal Earl of Pembroke (d.1241). One of ten knightly memorials in the round nave of the Temple Church, London. These were believed to be tombs until the post-WWII restoration revealed no bodies, but only effigy memorials. All the knights are on their back, but are otherwise positioned in different ways: some have their legs extended straight out while others have their legs crossed; some wear tunics over their armor and others wear full-length robes; some clutch their swords, some pray, and some have their arms straight at their sides. One has no effigy at all, but only a trapezoidal sarcophagus lid.
Credit: Holly Hayes