Pair Of Chest Tombs 15 Metres South Of South Door To All Saints Church

This is a pair of chest tombs located 15 metres south of the south door to All Saints Church in Risley. They date from the early to mid 18th century and are made of red brick with stone dressings. Each tomb features brick sides and a stone slab on top with moulded edges. The west end of each tomb has a stone slab with inscriptions. The southern tomb has two inscriptions, each set in a moulded panel with an angel depicted between the panels at the top. The southern panel reads, "Here lieth the body of Richard Smedley who departed this life February the 16th 1748. In the 80th year of his age," while the northern panel states, "Here lieth the body of William Smedley who departed this life June the 24 MDCCXLIII." The plaque is signed in the bottom corner, but the signature is no longer legible. The northern tomb is inscribed, "Here lieth the body of Edward ... and Elizabeth his wife. She departed this life January 23 1729 Aged 50 and he departed this life July 17 1730 Aged 51."