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

The Stephen Jackson Monument, located 5 metres east of the Church of St Mary in Nettlestead, is a memorial dedicated 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.

This structure is styled as a medieval churchyard cross, featuring elaborate Gothic Revival decorations. It is made from limestone and consists of three circular stone steps that support a triangular base. On this base rest three gables, each adorned with crocketed and ballflower carvings. From the centre of these gables rises a tall three-sided shaft, which is topped with a floral cross.

The exterior of the monument is richly detailed. Each gable features a shield, decorative elements, and inscriptions. The west-facing gable, which faces the church, displays a shield with a cross and a crown of thorns, framed by holly. The north side showcases the family coat of arms, flanked by bulbous leaves. On the east side, the shield features the initials SJ next to a church window with a pair of dividers, set upon oak leaves. The column on the west side is decorated with vine leaves arranged in a diamond lozenge, while the north side displays fleur-de-lys set between four lilies, and the east side is adorned with a rose that climbs the full height of the column. Each corner of the monument has an attached column topped with leaf decorations, which conceal a green man face among the foliage. The monument is crowned by a floral cross.

The inscription on the monument 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.’