This photograph is of a replica of an original carving which lurks under the right foot of the effigy of Richard Herbert of Ewais - the grandson of William and Gwladus. He died in 1510 and his magnificent tomb stands against the south wall of the Herbert Chapel in St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny.
The carving was only discovered when the tomb was dismantled for restoration. It has not been seen for nearly 500 years. With the tomb restored, the original is no longer visible.
A bedesman is a person charged with saying the prayers of the rosary for the souls of the departed.
Source:
Display text, Abergavenny Museum