Palmer Headstone About 37M North Of The West Tower Of The Church Of St Nicholas

The Palmer headstone, located about 37 meters north of the west tower of the Church of St Nicholas, is a Grade II* listed headstone from the late 18th century. It is engraved by William Ambrose of Stowford and commemorates Thomas Palmer, who died in 1789. The headstone is made of slate and features a segmental arch at the top.

The carving is detailed and depicts three scenes. In the center, death is represented as a skeleton holding an arrow, drawing aside the bed curtain of the dying man, with the phrase "welcome death" inscribed on a scroll from the skeleton's mouth. Above this scene, a clock is carved, accompanied by the verse: "Let every youth prepared be/least death should strike so young as me."

On either side of the central scene, angels are shown consoling Thomas Palmer's parents. The right-hand scene features a kneeling father with a scroll that reads "Oh my son," while the angel's scroll states, "grieve not for it is the Lords doing." Below the main inscription, there is a verse that includes: "Just in my youthful blooming age/God took me from this earthly stage/It was by a putrid Fever sore/Not long when seiz'd before I was no more."

This headstone is a particularly attractive example of personalized memorial craftsmanship, showcasing rustic artistry.