Gravestones, Table Tombs, Coffins And Monument To West Of Church

Gravestones, Table Tombs, Coffins and Monument to West of Church

This group of 99 gravestones, 2 table tombs, an obelisk, 3 medieval coffins and a fragmentary coffin lies to the west of Crowland Abbey Church. The monuments date from the 14th century through the early 19th century and are constructed from limestone ashlar.

The two table tombs are particularly notable. The example directly to the west of the church's west doorway features squat, bulbous balusters and foliate bands, with an inscription that includes the date 1779 and the name John H (the rest barely legible). A late 18th-century table tomb to the left displays paired, squat bulbous balusters.

Two medieval coffins with fragmentary lids stand to the south, while a single medieval coffin and a further fragmentary coffin lie to the north.

The gravestones span a considerable period and display varied decorative schemes. A 17th-century example to Thomas Carrington (died 1680) survives, as does a gravestone dated 1727 with a segmental pediment, cherub head and festoons. An early 18th-century gravestone to the west features two figures, one standing on an hourglass and the other on a column, with a winged cherub head above. A gravestone to William Cowling (died 1765) displays traceried pilasters, an angel and foliage.

Many 18th-century stones show winged cherub heads combined with festoons, ribbons or cartouches. Examples include gravestones to Henry Roberts (died 1771) and Thomas Whitsed (died 1788). Mid-18th-century examples include stones dated 1754 with cartouche and scrolled acanthus keystone. A gravestone of 1797 to the left of the west table tomb displays an urn, cherub heads and festoons.

Early 19th-century gravestones show varied designs. One to John Tooley features an urn and draperies; another, also to John Tooley and dated 1829, has a winged cherub head, open book and flowers. Others include examples with oval tops surmounted by thistle heads, angels, foliate bands and palms, and one with open segmental pediment, pilasters and winged cherub. A gravestone to Bilderson (died 1808) shows an open book, urn and angels. A gravestone to Robert Apthorp (died 1815) is flanked by single late 18th-century examples.

Notable named individuals include Daniel Elam (died 1630), John Elam (died 1686), John Briggins (died 1618), Thomas Boore (died 1842) who is commemorated by an obelisk, and others recorded on various stones throughout the group.

Three small 17th-century gravestones remain illegible. Two further 17th-century examples, to the west, are inscribed to Daniel Elam and John Elam as noted above. A late 17th-century gravestone to Jonathon Barker also survives.