Tomb Of John Harrison And Family In St Johns Churchyard

The tomb of John Harrison and his family is located in St John's Churchyard and dates from around 1776, although it has been restored. This chest tomb is built above a brick vault and is made of marble. It has a rectangular shape and rests on a stepped base. Fluted pilasters are set in from the corners on each side and feature enriched capitals with paterae at the level of a fluted frieze. A cornice and string course made of abacus and astragal continue around the tomb.

The north side of the tomb has an inscription that provides a biography of John Harrison, who is known for inventing the marine chronometer, as well as a tribute to his wife. The south side features an inscription about his son William, who tested the chronometers during sea voyages and assisted his father in a lengthy effort to claim a £20,000 prize. The edge of the top slab is inscribed with details about its reconstruction at the expense of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers of the City of London in 1879, with William Parker as Master, and notes that the railings were removed in 1934.