Three Monuments In Churchyard To West Of West Tower Of Church Of St Swithin

The three monuments in the churchyard to the west of the west tower of the Church of St Swithin are a group of three chest tombs dating from the late 18th century to the 19th century, constructed from ashlar.

From north to south, the first is the S. Stiles monument, dating from the late 18th century. It features slab sides, baluster angles, a moulded base, and a capstone, with very low relief rococo decoration on the plaques on the north side. The inscription commemorates Samuel Stiles, who died in 1769.

The second is the Hammond monument, from the early 19th century, which also has baluster angles, a moulded base, and a capstone. It includes oval plaques on each side with cherub head spandrels, and the south side bears an inscription for Richard Hammond, who died in 1801.

The third is the R. Stiles monument, also from the early 19th century, featuring a moulded base, a fluted frieze, and fluted baluster angles. It has two plaques on each side with a flower between them, and the inscription is for Robert Stiles, who died in 1803.