3 Morean (Possibly Morgan) Monuments Immediately Adjoining South East Corner Of Church In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary

The description details three monuments located immediately adjacent to the southeast corner of the Church of St. Mary in Fairford's churchyard. These consist of one bale tomb and two chest tombs, all belonging to the Morean family, possibly Morgan or Morear. The bale tomb is dedicated to Robert, who died in 1728. It features a spiral bale top divided into two sections, with a panelled central band and shell ends that have eroded carvings. The tomb has gadrooned capping and a moulded plinth. The west end displays a plain shield with initials and the date, while the east end showcases a high relief cartouche with a griffin on the shield. The north side includes a slightly raised central panel with a long inscription about the deceased, flanked by large compressed acanthus scrolls. The south side also has a slightly raised central inscription panel with recessed relief floral decoration. This design is similar to the chest tomb of Valentine Strong, located to the southwest of the porch. The top of the bale tomb is breaking up towards the northeast.

The first chest tomb is dedicated to Edmund and features a large stepped tent top, which was almost completely overgrown at the time of the survey in September 1985. It has a moulded plinth and capping on a tall base, with a plain frieze. The west end has a plain shield, while the east end displays a coat of arms featuring a stag and shield. Both sides are adorned with flanking pilaster strips with relief decoration; the north side has a cartouche and twin cherub heads, with the inscription partially obscured by ivy, while the south side has a badly eroded central panel.

The second chest tomb is unidentified but is similar in style to Edmund's. It features fluted pilaster corners, with the north side having plain fielded side strips. The south side has a small central fielded panel with additional edge moulding, flanked by two plain ovals in a simple cartouche, topped with a cherub's head and wings.