Group Of 5 Tombs Circa 3 Metres South Of Vestry Of Church Of St Ebba

NZ 1055 CONSETT FRONT STREET

(South side) Ebchester 17/51 Group of 5 tombs c.3 metres south of vestry of Church of St. Ebba

GV II Group of 5 tombs, comprising one grave-cover and 4 headstones. Medieval grave cover; C18 and C19 headstones. Sandstone ashlar. 1. Medieval cover has roll-moulded edge, and tapers slightly. No inscription. 2. Slab about one metre high with shaped top, inscribed to Thomas Smith, died 1743, and members of his family to 1806. Reverse has decoration of skull, hour- glass and crossed bones. 3. Gothic-style slab about limo high, to Joseph Oley, died 1895; described as 'The last of the Shotley Bridge swordmakers' and 'Upwards of 50 yrs. auctioneer'. 4. Half-metre-high slab with spiral decoration in rounded top, to Richard Oley died 1756. 5. Circa 120cm.-high slab with moulded shaped top, and low relief urn decoration, to William Oley died 1810 and members of his family to 1854. Historical note: in the C17 swordmakers from Germany settled in Shotley Bridge and were famous for their skill.

Listing NGR: NZ1037255442