Tomb Of Captain Samuel Jones And Family, St Mattias

The tomb of Captain Samuel Jones and his family is a pedestal tomb on a stepped base, dating from around 1734, with the designer unknown. It was restored in the 19th century by a statuary named Ellingford from Poplar. The tomb is made of stone and features a tall plinth with projecting curved ends. The sides are adorned with high relief carved swags that frame inscriptions. Above the plinth is a rectangular pedestal, which was formerly flanked by standing putti. On the south side of the pedestal, there is a carved relief depicting a ship under sail, while the north side features a nautical still-life that includes globes, cross-staffs, a caduceus, cannon and shot, a sextant, flags, and a central heraldic shield. The monument is crowned by addorsed consoles that once supported an urn. It was originally surrounded by railings. Captain Samuel Jones is noted for his distinguished service fighting the French in the English Channel during 1706 and 1707. St Mattias was previously the East India Company Chapel, and many nautical men were buried in the churchyard.