Funerary heraldic panels displayed after a person's death became common in the C17, though their roots lie in earlier heraldic traditions. These hatchments often hang in aisles or near MONUMENT, forming part of the church’s commemorative landscape. Their bold designs echo the heraldry found in ROYAL ARMS and sometimes incorporate motifs reminiscent of medieval TILES or stained‑glass shields. They provide insight into local families and social hierarchies.

Although primarily post‑medieval, hatchments frequently coexist with medieval architectural features such as CARVINGS, STAINED GLASS, or remnants of WALL PAINTINGS. Their presence illustrates how churches continued to evolve visually after the TUDOR and C16 Reformation, adopting new forms of decoration while retaining older ones. As part of a broader heraldic tradition, they enrich the layered visual history of parish churches.