Three King And One Hillman Monuments Circa 15 Metres North Of The Tower In Churchyard Of The Church Of St Mary

The Three King and one Hillman monuments, located approximately 15 meters north of the tower in the churchyard of St Mary, are chest tombs dating from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century, made of limestone.

The first monument is a lofty chest tomb featuring a flat table with a weathered and moulded edge, and a frieze adorned with egg and dart decoration. It has fluted ends over double scrolls, sunk moulded panels on the north and south sides, and a cavetto base on a sub-base. A copper panel on top records Martha King, who died in 1725, while other inscriptions are badly eroded. The 1879 survey mentions John King, who died in 1780, indicating that this monument likely dates from that period.

The second monument has a flat table with a moulded edge and lyre ends that are badly worn. It also features sunk moulded panels on the north and south sides, resting on a wide cyma base. This monument shows signs of frost damage from the 1985/86 season. The 1879 survey records Judith King, who died in 1692, suggesting that this monument could date from that time.

The third monument has a flat table with a moulded edge, pilaster corners with sunk panels, and interlocking dentil embellishments. It features sunk shouldered panels on the east and west sides, elliptical panels on the north and south sides, and a wide cavetto base. The inscriptions are not legible, but the 1879 survey mentions Thomas and Rebecca King, with a date that is partially obscured. The design suggests it is from the early 18th century. It was reportedly damaged when the church spire fell in 1883.

The fourth monument is a lofty chest tomb with inset corners, featuring a flat table with a moulded edge and a frieze with egg and dart embellishment. It has sunk moulded panels on the east and west sides, decorated with cherubs and a floral urn, and badly worn cartouches on the north and south sides. The cavetto base rests on a sub-base. Although the inscriptions are not legible, the 1879 survey records Josiah Hillman of Paradice, who died in 1775 at the age of 91 and was a benefactor to the church. This monument likely suffered damage when the church spire fell in 1883.