Peto Monument Approximately 2.5 Metres South Of The Chancel Of The Old Church Of St Peter

The Peto Monument, located approximately 2.5 metres south of the chancel of the Old Church of St Peter, is a memorial dated 1889 in memory of Sir Samuel Morton Peto. It is constructed from sandstone ashlar and features a double grave surrounded by low area walls with moulded coping. The large upright double headstone has a curvilinear shaped double head, with both heads displaying low relief carved panels. The left panel depicts mourning figures in classical robes, while the right panel features angels along with the inscription "He is risen." Below the heads is a decorative frieze, and beneath that are two plaques, each adorned with guttae. Scrolled wings flank both sides of the monument. The inscriptions are in Roman serif upper and lower case lettering, commemorating the deaths of Sir Samuel Morton Peto in 1889 and his widow Sarah Ainsworth in 1892.

Sir Samuel Morton Peto was a notable Non-conformist and, as a Member of Parliament, played a key role in passing an Act that allowed Non-conformist ministers to conduct burials in churchyards. He is believed to be the first person buried under this Act.