West Norwood Memorial Park Tomb Of James William Gilbart

The Tomb of James William Gilbart is located in West Norwood Memorial Park and dates from around 1836. Designed by Sir William Tite, this tall monument resembles a Decorated Gothic belfry and is made of Portland stone. It features a square, stepped base with inscribed panels that supports a square, buttressed tower. The tower has 2-light traceried openings, which are partly filled with panels of diaper pattern carved stone, and is topped with crocketed gables flanked by tall finials. Above this is a tall octagonal banded spire. The tomb is enclosed by grey granite pierced bollards with a thick cast iron cable running through them. Gilbart was notable for founding Joint Stock Banking and authored a significant book on banking; a carved squirrel on one of the gables alludes to his interests. Tite served as the architect for the London Westminster Bank, where Gilbart managed for many years. The monument is included in the register partly due to Gilbart's importance as the "father of British banking."