Re-Used Elizabethan Ledger Slab in the Churchyard of Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This is a re-used Elizabethan ledger slab located within the churchyard of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Eccleston. Originally dating to 1584, it initially commemorated William Stopford and his wife. In 1812, it was re-used to commemorate John Hodson. The ledger is constructed of sandstone.

The ledger is a large, thick rectangular slab with the underside heavily chamfered and it sits slightly proud of the ground, aligned east-west. The stone has weathered, particularly to the south-west corner, and is covered in lichen and algae. The original design features two full-length figures lying side-by-side, hands held in prayer. A larger male figure appears on the left, both figures are dressed in simple draped clothing; the male appears to have a large winged collar, and the female's head is hooded. A medieval style border surrounds the stone, with the original inscription now largely illegible. A more recent inscription, heavily incised over the figures’ torsos, reads 'JOHN HODSON / WRIGHTINGTON / 1812'.

Originally located within the church, the ledger was later removed to the churchyard, where it was re-used in the early 19th century to commemorate John Hodson of Wrightington. The original names and date are no longer visible but are documented in the Victoria County History of 1911.

The ledger is designated at Grade II* for its 16th-century origins as an effigial slab, representing a rare memorial type in Lancashire, and for its unusual example of early 19th-century re-use, demonstrating a continuity of tradition and the desire for perpetual remembrance.