Group Of Four Bell Monuments In Churchyard West Of North West Angle Of Church Of Saint Mary And Saint Ethelbert

A group of four chest tombs, dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries, is located in the churchyard west of the northwest angle of the Church of Saint Mary and Saint Ethelbert. The tombs are made of ashlar and arranged in two pairs.

To the east, the first monument is to Sarah Bell, from the late 18th century. It features a raised oval plaque on the north side, drapery drops on each side, baluster angles, and a large south plaque bordered in a rococo style, also with drapery drops in sunk panels on either side. It has a moulded base and cornice with a pulvinated frieze, and the inscription notes that Sarah Bell died in 1778.

The second monument is to Charles Bell, from the early 19th century. It has round angle shafts, two wreathed circular plaques on the north side with a sunburst between them, and a raised south plaque with reeded strips on each side. The inscription indicates that Charles Bell died in 1815.

To the west, the third monument is to John Bell, also from the early 19th century. It features two north plaques, central and angle piers, and a single south plaque with rebated angles. The inscription states that John Bell died in 1836.

The fourth monument is unidentified and dates from the early 19th century. It has lyre ends and a large oval plaque on the south side flanked by incised fluting, along with two raised plaques on the north side.