The larger-scale production of British effigies began in the middle of the 13th century as the result of the creation of a new patron class of knights, who although they were fewer than before, had become more wealthy.Stone (1972), p. 114 A great number of ecclesiastical effigies were also produced in this period, but a majority were destroyed during both the iconoclasm waves and the Cromwellion Wars of the Three Kingdoms.Tummers (1980), p. 4 Today, over there are over 150 extant 13th century English knightly effigies, and around 200 from the 14th century.
