Mid-sixteenth-century.
A figure riding a horse. A large sack is shown slung over the animal's back.
This may be a depiction of a merchant or trader headed to market with his wares. St Mary's was particularly popular with the merchant classes of Beverley, with their collective guilds often donating large sums of money to the church. Carvings commemorating these gifts are therefore found throughout the fabric.
This boss is similar to another figure on horseback found in the Vestry (V-H5). They may have used the same template or reference. However, this carving has noticeable stylistic differences. For instance, the rider is unnaturally proportioned compared to his horse. The carving is also less detailed than its counterpart. This could suggest the hands of different craftsmen.
The ceiling here was repainted in 1865.