James Grimshaw Grave Slab In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary

The grave slab of James Grimshaw, located in the churchyard of St Mary, is a rectangular piece made of sandstone. It features deep incised carvings, including a decorative border and a large scrolled fleur-de-lys motif at the foot of the slab. The inscriptions on the slab are in various styles of lettering, with some words arranged above or across the border to fit the space.

The original inscription at the top reads in widely-spaced stylised lettering: "I.G/ 1686/ HERE RESTETH THE/ BODY OF IAMES GRIMSHAW/ HVSBAND OF MARY/ GRIMSHAW". Below this, in smaller lettering, is another inscription that begins on the same line: "George his/ Son Sexton of this Church was/ buried April ye 12th 1708 aged 51".

Further down, in large, widely-spaced lettering, it states: "Alfo the Body of/ Mary his Wife who/ Departed this life AP/ 17th 1724". There is also an inscription in smaller lettering that reads: "alfo George/ Son of ye Above George Grim/fhaw was Sexton of this Church/ and buried March ye 14th 1761/ aged 68, Sarah his wife was/ buried April 27th 1750 aged 48".

Additionally, an italicised verse, added in the 18th century, is carved over the scrolled part of the fleur-de-lys motif at the foot of the slab, which reads: "Afflictions sore long time they bore/ Physicians were in vain/ Till God did please Death should them seize/ To ease them of their Pain".