Group Of Eight Monuments Circa 12 Metres East Of East Chancel Wall In The Churchyard Of The Church Of St Mary

The group comprises eight monuments located approximately 12 metres east of the east chancel wall within the churchyard of St Mary's Church. Dating primarily to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the monuments are constructed of limestone and represent a significant collection of funerary architecture.

Two closely set headstones stand at the western edge and one is of late 17th century design with a raised oval panel, winged cherub, and swags; the other is a simple cartouche. Adjacent is a hexagonal pedestal tomb with a domed capping to a moulded edge, over a fluted frieze. Sunk arch-head panels contain beautifully lettered bronze or copper plaques, the earliest recorded being for Richard Smith (Mercer), dated 1727. Cherubic figures with wings are positioned above the panels, all set to a moulded base upon a square sub-base that previously had a deep curb and railings.

A chest tomb follows, featuring a thick, flat table with a moulded edge, deeply carved lyre ends and cartouches to the north and south, and a cavetto base. Inscription remains on the north side, legible as "16-7", while a fully legible inscription on the south side dates to Gyles Smith (Mercer) in 1707. Further east is another chest tomb with a thick, flat table, moulded edge, lyre ends, an elliptical panel to the east and a worn cartouche to the west. The south side exhibits a moulded panel with scroll supporters, and the north side has floral decoration; the entire structure sits on a flared moulded base. It bears the inscription for Samuel Hopton, dated 1677.

A lofty pedestal tomb, including inset corners and egg and dart moulding, stands next. The north and south sides show square panels, while the east and west sides present elliptical panels. A deep moulded base is set on two steps. Bronze or copper plates are inset to William Hogg, 1800, though the tomb’s design is earlier. The inscription details Hogg’s role as a “gratuitous preacher of the Gospel” and notes the substantial sums he expended on charity. Two further headstones are present, one with a cartouche and two angels’ heads, and the other with an angel and drapes; neither are legible.

This exceptionally fine group of monuments provides important historical evidence and demonstrates a churchyard richly endowed monumentally beyond the norm.