Kneeling figures of doners and mourners were popular in France from the Middle Ages, but during the 16th Century increased in number and spread to the Netherlands. They were, however, rare in England until circa 1570, when the influx of Netherlandish sculptors promoted the type. From this date on kneeling figures became common features of free-standing tombs and wall-monuments both in England and on the Continent.

The present pair of burghers would appear to be Netherlandish, rather than English. This is indicated by the simplicity of their clothes and particularly by the style of the lady's cap. Furthermore, the summary treatment of the drapery and the soft, naturalistic modelling of the faces again suggest a Netherlandish hand. The present pair of kneeling burghers look upwards, this may imply that they are doners or supplicants at a religious image, rather than mourners at a family tomb.