Tomb Of Charles And Ellen Kean Within Churchyard Of All Saints Church

The tomb of Charles and Ellen Kean is located within the churchyard of All Saints Church and dates from around 1870. The designer or mason is unknown. This outdoor tomb is made of Portland stone and features a heavy rectangular sarcophagus that rests on rectangular corner blocks, standing on a two-stage base. The sides and ends of the sarcophagus are fielded, and at each end, there is a relief of a wreath with a fillet and an inverted torch. The lid is a two-stage coped slab. Surrounding the monument are elaborate cast iron railings adorned with florid tendril decoration and foliate finials on spiralled uprights, with the horizontal rails also spiralled.

This notable Neoclassical monument marks the burial site of the famous Victorian actor Charles Kean (circa 1811-1868) and his actress wife Ellen, née Tree (1805-1880). Charles Kean, the son of the renowned Edmund Kean, became one of the most popular actors on the London stage, gaining fame in New York during the early 1830s. He was celebrated for his dynamic performances of Shakespearean roles and for his extravagant stage designs at the Princess's Theatre. Kean passed away at his home in Chelsea and was buried here, close to his mother's estate of Keydall, near Rowlands Castle. The tomb is listed for its historical significance and as a high-quality late Neoclassical structure with exceptionally ornate railings.