Bishop Richard Bell (d. AD 1496) - [en.wikipedia.org])

The brass carving in question - [www.google.com]

It is said to resemble a shunosaurus - [hunosaurus_life_restoration.jpg" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org] - floruit ca. 160 MYA - [en.wikipedia.org]

Note the (apparent) back hooves on the creature shown on the tomb: little resemblance to the back feet of the shunosaurus.

Ands has been pointed out, a disappointing dearth of contemporary 15th century references to Shunosauri wandering around Carlisle, or explanations about why one would be depicted on Bishop Bell's tomb. (Did he have a pet one that he wanted to take to Heaven with him?)

Could the creature which the 15th century engraver was trying to reproduce have been some member of the family suidae - [en.wikipedia.org] - or perhaps some fantasy creature?.

(NB Shunosaurus not be confused with the Champsosaurus - [www.hallofmaat.com]).

Hermione
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2021 10:42AM by Hermione.