Group Of 12 Monuments In The Churchyard 5-7 Metres South Of Chancel, Church Of St Mary

A group of twelve chest tombs located in the churchyard, 5 to 7 metres south of the chancel of the Church of St Mary. Dating from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century, the tombs are arranged in three parallel rows of 3, 4, and 4, with one isolated tomb adjacent to the path. The lettering sequence progresses from north to south, beginning with the row furthest east.

Several tombs are unidentified. One, dating to the late 18th century, features oval and lozenge panels on the sides, with willow sprays around shields at the ends, and a coved cornice to the slab. Another, from the early 19th century, has cusped-panelled pilasters framing square panels on the sides and shields at the ends, with a bracketed cornice. A third, dated 1821, commemorates James Darley, an architect and builder, and his family, with three slightly recessed panels on each side, incised lettering on the south panels, and a coved slab. Darley held the position of Clerk of the Works at nearby Charlton House during alterations there between 1772 and 1776. Another dated 1810 commemorates Lawrence Chandler, with urns in shallow relief set into the sides framing the inscription panels. A Lawrence family tomb, with an earliest date of 1795, has fluted pilasters, raised and fielded panels on the north side, circular panels on the south; moulded end panels simulate balusters with bell flower decoration, and a coved slab. A further unidentified tomb from the late 18th century exhibits ringed daisy drops, tied-back drapery decoration, and lozenges. Others showcase corner balusters, floral or panelled pilasters, and variously shaped slabs including cyma recta moulded and fielded panels. One tomb is conceived as a single geometric shape with bowed ends, and another features drapery and winged putti decoration.