Banaster Monument Approximately 10 Metres South East Of Hedge To Car Park, Adjoining South West

The Banaster Monument is a chest tomb located approximately 10 meters southeast of the hedge to the car park, adjoining the southwest path in Tewkesbury's Abbey Churchyard. It dates back to the earliest inscription in 1799, with further inscriptions extending to 1858. The tomb is made of sandstone and commemorates William Banaster, who died in 1802, as well as the 12 children of William and Sarah Banaster, with dates of death ranging from 1799 to 1836. The structure features a flat ledger with moulded edges, raised panels on the long sides, and inset ends with a cornice and base mould, all set on a moulded base and large platform that was formerly railed. While many of the inscriptions are still legible and of significant social historical interest, the monument is currently unstable and beginning to split apart. Notably, seven of the children commemorated died in infancy.