Shayler Monument In The Churchyard Of The Church Of St Paul Circa 4 Metres East Of The Vestry

The Shayler monument, located in the churchyard of the Church of St. Paul, is a 17th-century bale tomb dedicated to the wife of Shayler of Donnington. Made of limestone, it features a moulded base and four kneeling mourners on each side, with their hands clasped in prayer. Each mourner is set within a blind round-headed arch that has a keystone and imposts, flanked by Tuscan style columns in slight relief. The east end of the monument displays raised palm leaf decoration within a sunken panel, while the west end has a partially legible inscription in Latin. The capping stone has a moulded margin and dentil decoration around its lower edge. Above this is a semi-circular 'bale' stone adorned with ribbing in two directions and scalloped decoration at either end. This monument is a rich and early example of the monumental designer's art.