Thomas Spring's Chantry and Parclose at Lavenham, Suffolk

AbstractThomas Spring III (c. 1456–1523) was one of the richest merchants in England. This paper discusses his remarkable career as a clothier, and the arrangements he made in his will for the good of his soul, and that of his widow, Alice. These arrangements included a chantry on the south side of the choir of his parish church at Lavenham, as well as a mortuary chapel for himself and his widow in the north nave aisle. The style of the celebrated oak parclose screen, which protected the tomb, will be analysed, and a stylistic provenance suggested for it.