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Roger Elmebrygge (sometimes modernized as Elmbridge) was named sheriff of Surrey and Sussex a few weeks before he died. The brass monument contains shields on each corner and an inscription in Latin below Elmebrygge’s feet. The monument is on the floor of the chancel of St. Mary the Virgin Church in Beddington, Surrey.
Roger Elmebrygge is depicted in full body armor. The skirt Elmebrygge wears is made of overlapping metal plates and has two metal pieces known as tasses attached at the bottom. The bascinet he wears as a helmet is more suitable for battle than the decorative helm on which he rests his head. The helm (not represented in the rubbing) has a cockatrice on top. At his feet is a dog, often interpreted as a symbol of loyalty. Perhaps the dog describes his loyalty to Surrey and Sussex for accepting the position as sheriff. On the right, a long sword hangs from Elmebrygge’s hip. On the left, a dagger is attached to his belt at the hip. He is armed and prepared for battle.
The upper left shield has since been removed from the brass, but was originally the Elmebrygge family arms. The other shields have not been attributed to a family’s coat of arms due to damage over time. The upper right shield, now removed, previously displayed the arms of Elmebrygge impaling the arms of another, unidentified family. The lower left shield repeats this same coat of arms and the lower right shield represents a griffin. A history of Surrey from 1865 states that Roger’s brother John is buried with his family in the church at Merstham. He is identified as an esquire in his tomb monument.
On Roger’s monument the inscription emphasizes his public role and sudden death on November 23, 1437. The text reads in translation: Pray for Roger, surnamed Elmebrygge, Esquire, covered by this stone Whose king delegated him Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex. Death took him before he could take the position formally. He died on the day of St. Clement in the year 1437 (one thousand, four hundred, three tens, a five year period, and add twice after).