Group Of Five Tombs In Graveyard North West Of Church Of St Stephen

A group of five tombs, dating from 1831 to 1869, are situated in the graveyard north-west of St Stephen's Church. The tombs are constructed of carved stone and ashlar, with cast-iron railings, and represent the family vaults of the Butler/Beecroft and Hargrave families, alongside graves of the Hodgson family and of Benjamin Dawson.

The Butler/Beecroft vault features paired Gothic niches with hoodmoulds and shields on three sides, enclosed by railings to the south. The niches and associated slabs bear inscriptions commemorating Thomas Butler, an ironmaster and the first warden of the church, who died in 1831, along with other family members buried at Headingley. The surrounding railings are of square section with a cusped top rail and floriate finials, with cup and cover finials to the standards.

The Hargrave tomb consists of a large Classical carved slab at the north end, also with a railed enclosure to the south. The slab is flanked by pilasters with niches containing inscriptions, topped with a pediment within a larger pilastered surround featuring an entablature, cornice, and scrolled pediment adorned with wreaths. Inscriptions commemorate Benjamin Hargrave, his wife Sarah, and several other family members, including his youngest daughter, who died in 1930. The low ashlar wall supporting the railings has an iron gate on the east side, with octagonal rails with leaf finials and massive standards with acanthus-style open finials.

The Hodgson group comprises two grave slabs set against the boundary wall, behind a low moulded ashlar wall with spearhead railings on three sides; the gate is now missing. These monuments are dedicated to the family of the Reverend Robert Hodgson, the first incumbent of St Stephen's, and members of the Hobson family.

The final tomb is a gabled tombstone with a cross, marking the burial of Benjamin Dawson of Hanover Terrace, London and Kirkstall, who died in 1869. It has a chamfered kerb with cast-iron scrolled panels and fleur-de-lis finials supporting a rail.