One of three Flawford figures discovered under the chancel floor of the ruined church of St Peter, Flawford, Nottinghamshire in 1779. The figures had probably been hidden during the religious turmoil of the Reformation to prevent them from being destroyed. The three figures would have been richly coloured but before being donated to Nottingham Castle in 1908 they had at some stage been used as garden ornaments.

This figure’s raised hand is a sign of blessing and it may represent Saint Thomas Becket, who was an immensely popular saint in the medieval period. He was an English bishop who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, martyred for his faith, which he chose over and above the favour of the king.