Monument to Speer family in Great Malvern Cemetery

A monument to the Speer family, dating from c.1876 and thought to have been designed by Henry Haddon, and possibly carved by William Forsyth.

MATERIALS AND PLAN: the monument is constructed of stone and lies approximately 30 metres east of the Anglican chapel at Great Malvern Cemetery.

DESCRIPTION: the monument takes the form of a large table tomb supported on four squat columns of pink granite, and a central column of limestone or sandstone. The top slab one large piece of stone, with a cross carved in relief with carved leaf decoration at its ends, on the shaft and around a central circular section. At each corner there is carved an angel, with hands folded towards the breast and large wings fanning out along the sides of the monument. Along each edge is Decorated Gothic style ballflower-type carved decoration.

The four corner columns have moulded bases and capitals with carved foliage capitals. Underneath the top are two bowls, possibly in marble, which are contained in triangular pedestals and which each have heraldic style shields bearing inscriptions to the members of the Speer family commemorated here. The bowls suggest that these originally sat outside of the tomb and may have held flowers.

The tomb stands on a large stone plinth with chamfered edges, itself on a stone base.