Tomb of Robert Coombes, Brompton Cemetery

MATERIALS: Portland stone on a York stone slab

An elongated chest tomb with niches at the four corners, each containing a statue of an oarsman. One is stripped to the waist and wears short trousers; another wears full-length trousers and a jersey top; the others wear the traditional buttoned coats of Thames watermen. Heads of the statues have been replaced since 2011, having previously been lost. Resting on the tomb lid is an unturned boat draped with the Doggett's Coat and Badge, the prize given to the winner of the annual rowing race of the same name, which has taken place on the Thames since 1715. Panels to south and north are inscribed in capital letters, reading 'To the memory of / Robert Coombes / champion sculler / of the Thames and Tyne / for a period of seven years / died 25 February 1860 / aged fifty-two years / buried at this spot' and 'This monument was erected by public subscription by the warm friends and admirers of Robert Coombes champion sculler of the Thames and Tyne'. The names of the committee for the erection of the monument are given.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 20 October 2023 to amend details in the description