Group Of 5 Monuments In The Churchyard Of The Church Of The Holy Trinity, Circa 12 To 17 Metres South Of The South East Corner Of The Chancel

A group of five chest tombs stands within the churchyard of the Church of the Holy Trinity, approximately 12 to 17 metres south of the south-east corner of the chancel.

The first tomb, a chest tomb belonging to Thomas Gale, is located at the north-west corner of the group. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, it features a moulded plinth. Inscriptions to Thomas Gale, who died in 1789, and Richard Gale, who died in 1835, are found on the north and south sides respectively. Both inscriptions are set within raised panels with quadrant corners and egg and tongue edge mouldings, and display eroded rosettes in the upper right and left corners, along with hanging bell flower decoration within the marginal panels. Raised inscription panels are present at either end. The tomb is capped with sandstone, having a hollow-moulded margin.

Adjacent to the north is an unidentified chest tomb, constructed from sandstone and originally enclosed by a spear-headed cast iron railing. It has fielded inscription panels that are now illegible, supported by fluted columns at each corner, and surmounted by a capping stone with a hipped inner capping stone. Further east stands another chest tomb belonging to Ann Oakley, also made of sandstone and formerly surrounded by a cast iron railing, now removed. It features fielded inscription panels; the only legible inscription refers to Ann Oakley, who died in 1806. A moulded plinth and capping with a moulded margin complete the design.

Approximately 0.5 metres north of the Ann Oakley tomb is a chest tomb dedicated to Elizabeth Oakley, built from sandstone. The north side exhibits a raised oval inscription panel with foliate decoration at each corner, as well as hanging bell flower decoration in the marginal panels. The south side contains an inscription panel to Mary Bubb, while the west end features a square inscription panel and the east end a circular one, all now eroded.

Finally, 4.5 metres south of the Elizabeth Oakley tomb is an unidentified chest tomb, dating from the 17th to early 18th century. It is constructed of limestone and features a cartouche-like inscription panel decorated with fruit, flowers, angels’ heads, an hourglass, and a winged skull, with hanging drapery in the marginal panels. The south side contains an illegible cartouche-like inscription panel. Quarter balusters are situated at each corner. The west end is ornamented with a large shell motif, a plain shield at the centre, and winged cherubs' heads at the top, while the east end features a raised oval inscription panel with a cherub's head at the top.