Lovell Chest Tomb About 7 Metres South Of The Porch Of St Mary

The Lovell chest tomb, located about 7 metres south of the porch of St Mary, dates from the late 17th century. The chest itself appears to be older, while the lid may be a replacement made from a different stone. Constructed from volcanic trap, the chest features a plinth and a moulded cornice, with three panels on each side separated by a hollow moulding. Each panel is intricately carved with a patje formje cross in deep relief. The ends of the chest also have similar hollow mouldings. The oversailing lid bears an inscription that commemorates John Lovell of Bickleigh and outlines the Lovell charity, which includes provisions for the poor of Priers Quarter in Tiverton and other allocations to the poor of the parish, to be distributed yearly by the overseers. The lettering on the lid may be a 19th-century copy of a text from the late 17th century.