Tomb Of Lady Sanderson In The Grounds Of My Lady'S Cottage

The Tomb of Lady Sanderson, located in the grounds of My Lady's Cottage, is a chest tomb dating from around 1817, created by Mason Richardson of Tunbridge Wells. It features a tapering diagonally fluted sarcophagus topped with a pyramidal roof, which is adorned with an oval flaming urn and end scrolls, supported by four piers. The tomb is accessed by three stone steps, which were originally railed. Each end of the tomb has circular medallions, and there are rectangular panels on each side inscribed with the following text: "Within this vault lie the remains of Lady Sanderson widow of the late Sir James Sanderson Bart by her 1st husband and of the Revd William Huntington S.S by her second. Born August 4th 1765 died in the Lord, November 9th 1817. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee - Her son and daughter who sorrow rejoicing have erected this monument." Lady Sanderson was married to the notable non-conformist preacher William Hunt, who later became known as Huntington. He began his preaching career while working as a coal heaver and referred to himself as a 'Saved Sinner', abbreviated as S.S., since he was denied the more prestigious title of Doctor of Divinity. After Hunt's death in 1812, Lady Sanderson lived at My Lady's Cottage and requested to be buried in the apple orchard there.