Group Of 9 Chest Tombs In Churchyard 3 Metres East Of Chancel East Wall Church Of St Mary

This group of nine chest tombs is located in the churchyard, three meters east of the east wall of the chancel at the Church of St. Mary in Lydiard Park. The tombs date from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century and are all made of limestone, featuring a moulded base and table with recessed corner balusters, unless otherwise noted.

In the west row, from north to south: a. The tomb of Francis King, who died in 1808, and John King, who died in 1857, has side panels decorated with coloured and gilded foliage and angels in low relief. b. The tomb of Betty King, who died in 1772, and Jane King (second wife), who died in 1785, has an addition for Mary Ann Yorke, who died in 1883. c. The tomb of Francis King, who died in 1745, is a plain box without corner decoration, with an inscription on the table. It also commemorates Bridget, his wife, who died in 1766. d. A low chest with a chamfered base and a plain top has an inscription that is illegible.

In the east row, from north to south: e. The tomb of Susanna Sheldon, who died in 1806, Alexander Sheldon, who died in 1821, and John Sheldon, who died in 1836. f. The tomb of Richard Rudler, who died in 1781, and his wife Margaret, who died in 1784, along with Sarah Jotham, who died in 1805, and Margaret Rudler, who died in 1828. The side panels feature scrolls and putti in low relief. g. The tomb of Richard Dore King, who died in 1862, and Elizabeth, who died in 1869. h. The tomb of Richard Dore King, who died in 1862, and Sarah Sephhard King, who died in 1896. j. The tomb of Elizabeth Clark, who died in 1811, and Abraham Humphries, who died in 1858, features a hipped table and Gothic end panels, likely erected at the later date.