Radford Headstone Approximately 3 Metres East Of Chancel Of Church Of St Mary

DOWN ST MARY DOWN ST MARY SS 70 SW 2/163 Radford Headstone approximately - 3 metres east of chancel of Church of St Mary

GV II

Headstone. Dated 1896 in memory of Rev. W T A Radford. Bath stone and volcanic stone enriched with polychrome mosaic and enamelwork. Gothic style. Upright store standing approximately 1 metre high. Moulded plinth of purple volcanic store. Pointed top with moulded edges and flanking pilasters containing sunken panels with trefoil heads and shaped finials. The top-panel contains a relief Bottonee cross on a ground of gold and red mosaic which includes an enamel representation of a grail to left. On the right a circular depression from a lost motif. Inscription in lower panel inscribed in Victorian Gothic lettering and records the death of Rev. W T A Radford in 1889. This is one of a series of unusual headstones which are distinguished by their use of polychrome mosaic. The Rev. W T A Radford was squire, parson, patron and incumbent. For half a century he was one of the most important figures in the High Church movement in the Diocese of Exeter and also had strong and well- informed views on architecture. He was a founder member of the Exeter Diocesan Architectural Society. He determined the whole shape of the restoration of the church in which he employed personal friends such as G E Street and Clayton and Bell. Source: Devon C19 Church Project.

Listing NGR: SS7431004458