Danvers Tomb At Church Of St Leonard

The Danvers Tomb at the Church of St. Leonard is a large table tomb dating from 1745, created by John Hind. It is made of slate and features brass inscriptions along with wrought iron railings that have alternating straight and spear head finials and urn corners. The tomb is located to the east of the eastern end of the church and is dedicated to Sir John and Lady Danvers, with a portion of the tombyard allowing for Sir John's dog to be buried alongside him. The tomb is block-shaped and of the finest quality, adorned with two reliefs that illustrate accompanying texts: one depicts a ship and a church under a hill with the inscription, "When young I sailed to India, east and west, But aged in this port must lye at rest," while the other shows ploughing and building with the text, "Be cheerful, O man, and labour to live, The merciful God a blessing will give." Swithland, known for its slate pits, was a center for slate-engraving, and the tombstone trade thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hind family, notable in the area, is also commemorated by additional table tombs within the churchyard.