It was catalogued as probably dating from the 13th century but further research led Christie's to believe that it could have been later.
Carved with a poetic inscription in Latin and measuring 4ft 3in (1.32m) high, it sold to a specialist dealer at £9000 against an estimate of just £200-300.
Sleeping peacefully...
EVERY country house sale should have at least one sleeper and at Christie's (19.5/12% buyer's premium) Chirk Castle sale this honour went to a sandstone grave slab.