Page:The Monumental Inscriptions in the Parish Church of S. Michael, Coventry.pdf/10

 are of legal importance, being admitted in courts of law as collateral evidence; the alleged destruction of a grave stone was the cause of much litigation in a Warwickshire peerage claim. To the historian, genealogist, and herald, they are of the greatest importance in their studies, and supply undoubted evidence of that near and dear relationship which we cherish for those that have gone before, and it is our duty to preserve them from defacement. The intention of the following pages is to supply a perfect record of such memorials as are now in S. Michael's Church, therefore I have copied the inscriptions literally, and have indicated their positions by a reference plan of the Church. The various coats of arms are drawn correctly, and afford much information as to the alliances of the different families.

Lastly, whenever we enter this grand old Church let us with reverence remember those whose bodies lie beneath our feet, waiting in the quietness of the cold tomb that great day of His coming again, and that this noble Church and spire is the monument to the piety and benevolence of Adam and William Botoner and their sisters Ann and Mary.

I have to thank a friend for the translation of the difficult and florid Latin inscriptions, and also acknowledge help from a little book published by Mr. Wm. Reader, fifty years since, by which I find that, in his time, there were eighty or more stones than at the present time; some of these, however, may be covered by the seats and organ.

Coventry, August, 1884.