Stephen Jackson Monument, 5 metres east of the Church of St Mary, Nettlestead

A monument to Stephen Jackson (1809 – 1855) commissioned by his wife and built around 1855. The monument was designed by Frederick Russell and carved by Henry Ringham.

Style: An interpretation of a medieval churchyard cross elaborately decorated in a Gothic Revival style.

Materials: The monument is constructed from limestone.

Plan: Three circular stone steps support the triangular base upon which three crocketed and ballflower carved gables rest. From the centre of the gables projects a tall three-sided shaft topped with a floral cross.

Exterior: Each gable contains a shield, decoration and an inscription. The west facing side, towards the church, has a shield with a cross and crown of thorns, framed by holly. The north side has the family coat of arms flanked by bulbous leaves. To the east the shield sets the initials SJ beside a church window with a pair of dividers, set on oak leaves. The column on the west side has vine-leaves set in a diamond lozenge, to the north it displays fleur-de-lys set between four lilies and the east side is decorated with a rose climbing its full height. On each corner is an attached column topped by leaf decoration with a green man face hidden amongst the leaves. Crowning the monument is a floral cross.

The inscription reads: ‘Stephen Jackson of Ipswich M.A. hereunder resteth, who departed the XVI of February age XLVI years, CAIUS COLL CAM, AD MDCCCLV, Iesu have mercy’