Chest Tomb Approximately 31 Metres North Of Vestry Door Of Church Of All Saints

This chest tomb, located approximately 31 meters north of the vestry door of the Church of All Saints in Hertford, dates from 1774. It is made of white Portland stone and features a deep black marble slab. The design is elaborate and reflects mid-18th century style, with a bold bolection moulded edge and raised fielded panels on all four sides. The tomb is flanked by Tuscan brick capitals and pilasters, adorned with raised carved putti heads, basket mouldings, and scotia moulded bases. It also has a heavy cyma recta and quadrant moulded base and plinth. Originally, the raised surround was enclosed by iron palisade railings. The top slab is incised in memory of several family members, including John Benson (died 1774 at age 14), Sarah Benson (died 1776 at age 12), Mary Benson (died 1778 at age 50), and John William Benson (died 1801 at age 70), with additional inscriptions for other family members up to 1864. A panel on the north side states that the stone is to be maintained in perpetuity by the Trustees of Green Coat School, and the slab to the vault was laid in 1850 with permission from the Vicar.