00:05In medieval chantry chapels, the wealthy invested in magnificent tombs to help shorten their time in purgatory.
00:16This is the tomb of Richard Beecham, Earl of Warwick, one of the richest and most powerful men in England.
00:22When he died in 1439, he left money for 5,000 masses to be said for his soul.
00:27But his real safety net against the pains of purgatory was this chapel, built in the 20 years after his
00:35death, costing thousands of pounds, the equivalent of millions nowadays, where he hoped, in his own words, that prayers would
00:44be said for him until the end of time.
00:49The effigy of Richard Beecham is frozen for eternity.
00:53His hands open in prayer and veneration to the Virgin Mary, who gazes down on him from the vaulted ceiling
01:00above.
01:06Around the sides of the tomb, statues known as weepers, family members mourning his death and praying for his ascent
01:14into the arms of God.
01:30In this world, monks and priests.
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