Nichols Monument In The Churchyard About 20 Metres South Of Nave Of Anglican Church Of St Thomas À Becket

The Nichols Monument is a chest tomb dating to 1773, situated within the churchyard approximately 20 metres south of the nave of the Anglican Church of St Thomas à Becket. Constructed from sandstone, the monument features a flat top with a moulded edge and a moulded plinth with quarter balusters. The north face incorporates a pair of cartouches decorated with an hourglass and foliage within their spandrels. The southern face displays cartouches with carved frames, and a central putto with naturalistic feathered wings. The tomb commemorates Ann Nicholas, who died in 1773, and other members of her family.

Pucklechurch's origins are likely Roman, and it developed as a key settlement from the later Anglo-Saxon period, serving as an administrative and judicial centre. It was once part of the Forest of Kingswood and may have been a royal burh. King Edmund of Wessex was murdered there in AD 946, and subsequently buried at Glastonbury Abbey. The manor of Pucklechurch was granted to Glastonbury Abbey in AD 950 before being transferred to Bath Abbey in the 13th century. Following the Dissolution in the 16th century, the village experienced rebuilding and gentrification, with substantial houses constructed through the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. A further period of expansion came from the mid-19th century with the opening of local collieries.

The parish church was founded during the Norman period, with later substantial rebuilding predominantly in the 13th century. Features added in the 14th century included a north aisle and south porch, and parts of the tower. A chantry was established in 1337, later becoming the site of the Lady Chapel. Further alterations occurred in the 17th century and two phases of work were undertaken in the 19th century.

The monument is designated at Grade II for its architectural interest as a well-executed, good example of a late 18th-century chest tomb, commemorating members of a local family. It also possesses group value due to its relationship with the Grade I listed church of St Thomas à Becket and other listed tombs within the churchyard.