Monument To Best Family Circa 20 Yards East Of Chancel Of Church Of St Mary And All Saints

The monument to the Best family, located approximately 20 yards east of the chancel of the Church of St Mary and All Saints, dates from the early 19th century. It is made of stone and stands on a stepped stone base. The monument is large and square, featuring a moulded plinth and a corniced lid. The side panels are recessed, with reeded detailing at the base and fluted above on a small moulded plinth.

The central panels are fielded with concave corners at the top of the lid, which supports a square two-tier plinth. The base of this plinth is moulded, while the top is smaller and rises from it on a short broad concave stem, decorated with an egg and dart design. An escutcheon is positioned on the west side, resting in the slope of the stem.

Atop the two-tier plinth is a vase adorned with acanthus leaves around the base of the cup, fluting above, and a projecting floral lip. The knob of the lid features projecting "eggs." Originally, the monument was surrounded by railings. Each side is inscribed in memory of numerous members of the Best family, with dates of death beginning in the early 19th century.