Group Of Nine Monuments In Churchyard South West Of South Aisle Of Church Of St Michael

A group of nine monuments, dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries, are situated within the churchyard to the southwest of the south aisle of the Church of St Michael. The group consists of eight chest tombs arranged in two rows - one of three and one of six – and one pedestal tomb.

The monuments are constructed primarily of pennant stone with ashlar detailing. Monument 'a', likely dating from the late 18th or early 19th century, features an ashlar base and cornice with lyre ends and eroded slab sides. An armorial cartouche is present on the east end, apparently displaying the Gale and Lyte family arms. Monument 'b', mid 18th century, has baluster corners and framed oval and fielded plaques with drapery and strip detailing, and a possible Lyte family armorial cartouche. Monument ‘c’, an early 18th century example, is of large scale with a moulded base, cornice with pulvinated frieze, and a gadrooned cap stone, incorporating ornate Baroque framing around a north plaque and fielded strips. Monument 'd' is a double chest tomb, early 18th century, with a moulded cornice, fielded panelled angle piers, shield plaques to the north and south, and oval plaques to the east and west. An inscription is present on the north plaque, dedicated to Isaac Gale. Monument ‘e’, also early 18th century, features a rococo-framed north plaque and a lozenge plaque to the east, with slim baluster angles. Monument 'f’, mid 18th century, is a half-sunk ashlar structure with baluster angles and large plaques with floral strips. Monument ‘g’ showcases an unusually ornate early 18th century design with heavily detailed, Baroque-style ends that curve outwards, displaying fluting and high relief fleurons with a luxuriant foliate scroll border to the north plaque. Monument ‘h’, early 18th century, has a gadrooned frieze over slim angle balusters and a large rectangular framed north plaque, with high relief rosettes flanking the south plaque. Finally, monument 'i', a pedestal monument from the mid to later 18th century, is tall with egg-and-dart ornament to the moulded cornice, plant sprays to the west and Yealfe arms to the east. It is topped by a stepped cap with a gadrooned top and ball finial. The early to mid 18th century monuments within the group are of particularly exceptional quality.