Undying in Leicester

With apologies, faithful readers, for the long absence: but a visit to Leicester Cathedral last week included a sight that couldn't be missed, kindly pointed out by Liz Tingle.

In case the image isn't entirely clear, this is what the tomb says (spelling modernised):

'Here lieth the body of John Heyricke of this parish, who departed this life the 2 of April 1589, being about the age of 76. He did marry Marie, the daughter of John Bond of Wardend in the county of Warwick esquire, who lived with the said Marie in one house full 52 years and in all that time never buried man woman nor child though they were sometimes 20 in household. He had issue by the said Marie 5 sons and 7 daughters, viz. Robert, Nicholas, Thomas, John and William, and daughters Ursula, Agnes, Marie, Elizabeth, Ellin, Christian & Alice. The said John was mayor of thos town in Anno. 1559 and again in anno. 1572. The said Marie departed this life the 8 of December 1611 being of the age of 97 years. She did see before her departure of her children & children's children and their children to the number of 142.'

Somebody had some tough genes. The entire chapel is full of Heyrick tombs, but are you surprised? Something like half the planet must be descended from these people. Here's to you, presumed great-great-great-great-great grandma!