Row Of 6 Chadwell Monuments In The Churchyard Of The Church Of St Paul Circa 2 1/2 Metres South Of East End Of Chancel

A row of six chest and bale tombs located in the churchyard of St Paul’s Church, approximately 2.5 metres south of the east end of the chancel. These monuments date to the early 17th century and are constructed from limestone.

The row comprises two chest tombs and four bale tombs, all likely relating to members of the Chadwell family. The first bale tomb has a moulded plinth and features the outline of three blind round-headed arches, each with a keystone and imposts on either side, with foliate decoration within the spandrels above. Tuscan-style columns are in slight relief, flanking the arches. Raised palm leaf decoration is present in the left and right panels, while the central panel contains a heraldic shield with a zig-zag pattern in relief, encircled by a wreath of leaves. A sunken panel is located at the east end, and a plain panel at the west end. The capping stone has a roll moulding along its lower edge, topped with a semi-circular ribbed bale stone.

The second bale tomb, located immediately north of the first, has a flat-chamfered base, divided into three panels. The central panel displays a heraldic shield, similar to the previous tomb, while the flanking panels feature single, large diamond patterns in relief. A raised heraldic shield is present on the west end. A sunken panel is at the east end. Its capping stone has a plain margin and a roll-moulded string along its lower edge, with bevelled ends to the semi-circular bale stone above.

A matching bale tomb stands immediately north of the second, exhibiting similar features. The third tomb is a chest tomb marking the burial of William Chadwell, who died in 1612. It has plain sides and a raised rectangular inscription panel at the east end, bordered by decorative scrollwork. A thick, flat-chamfered capping stone tops this chest. The fourth and final chest tomb commemorates Dorothie Chadwell, who died in 1601, and was William Chadwell's wife. It is positioned approximately 0.75 metres north of William's tomb.

The final bale tomb is located approximately 0.30 metres north of Dorothie's tomb and features incised outlines of three round-headed arches with keystones and imposts. The central arch contains a heraldic shield in relief, depicting a lion rampart on the left and a zig-zag pattern on the right. Raised palm leaf decoration is in the flanking panels, and a sunken panel is at the west end. The capping stone is thick and moulded with dentil decoration around its lower edge, and a ribbed semi-circular bale stone sits above, embellished with foliate decoration at either end.