The figure bears the garb and crest of the Nowers family. Which member of the Nowers family the effigy represents however is in question. It is thought that it represents John de Nowers who died in 1386. It has also been suggested that it represents Sir George Nowers who was Lord of the Manor of Tackley and died in 1425. The armour the effigy wears would be wrong for the period however.
The tomb under the effigy may indicate the truth or at least point to it [1]. Analysis of the tomb has revealed what appears to be a greyhound and crests of the de Gaynsfords. The tomb was therefore probably originally for a member of the de Gaynsford family and appropriated by the Nowers in a medieval example of re-cycling. A new effigy was installed on the tomb. The effigy itself shows evidence that parts of it have different origins, the feet being cut into a de Gaynsford greyhound. It is possible therefore that the feet are from the original effigy. The rest being removed and replaced by one representing Nowers.
[1] Mark Turnham Elvins, "The knight and the appropriated tomb", Christ Church Library Newsletter Vol 6 Issue 2 (2010) p. 12
