| Description | Whilst digging in the Chapter House, in 1724, a grave was discovered, supposed to be that of Hugh Lupus; at the head was found the stone above depicted, which bears the crest of the Earl, below the wolf's head, the monogram S.R. evidently the initials of Simon Ripley who was Abbot 1485-1493. A similar style of carving was introduced by Simon Ripley on the tower of Saighton Grange. The Abbot's and at a later date the Bishop's, seem to have adopted the wolf's head as their crest. Bishop Gastrell made use of it so late as 1721. The stone is now deposited in the norman chamber.
Additional note by Frank Simpson;
While waiting for a Christleton Road tram car 1.20pm; Tuesday, November 16th 1926 a handcart with a tall man in the shafts and a short stiffly built man walking alongside passed by. In the handcart was the Simon Ripley stone. The bottom part broken across. On the side of the handcart was the name Haswell Mason. The cart proceeded through the Eastgate. Visiting the Cathedral the following day, Wednesday 5am, the deskman said (in the presence of Mr Evans, verger) he had seen two men putting the stone in a handcart. It was broken in two. |