Group Of 4 Chest Tombs And 13 Headstones Approximately 15 Metres South Fo Porch Of Church Of St Leonard

A group of four chest tombs and thirteen headstones, dating from the late 17th and 18th centuries, are situated approximately 15 metres south of the porch of the Church of St Leonard. The monuments are constructed from carved and moulded ironstone.

The four chest tombs vary in style and date. One, located 15 metres south of the porch, is of mid-18th century design, with fielded panels to the long sides and sunk panels to the short sides. A headstone stands 1 metre north of this tomb. A second chest tomb, 19 metres south of the porch, bears inscriptions to the Baseley family and dates from 1784. It features fielded panels to two of its long sides and one of its short sides. A row of four headstones are positioned between the first two chest tombs. These headstones display a range of decorative elements, including open segmental pediments, scrolled tops, sunk panels, leaf scrolls, vases, and depictions of female figures, some seemingly originally holding palms. One headstone dates to 1700, another to 1687, a third to the early 18th century, and the fourth to 1705.

A further chest tomb, 21 metres south of the porch, of the early to mid-18th century, has fielded panels to its long sides. A chest tomb approximately 17 metres south-west of the porch, dated 1774, features a broad base and two moulded fielded panels to the long sides and one to the short sides, also bearing inscriptions to the Baseley family. Seven further headstones are located to the east of the Baseley tomb. These include early 18th century examples exhibiting winged heads, swag drapery and kneeling female figures, scrolled pediments, composite columns, pulvinated friezes, and oval panels with floral motifs. Several of these headstones display winged skulls and scrolls. Two of the headstones are generally similar, featuring flat panels. One headstone dates to 1722. The final headstone is of less architectural significance.