Four Tombs Approximately 5 Metres To South And South East Of Parish Church Of St Mary

This description covers a group of four tombs located approximately 5 meters to the south and southeast of the Parish Church of St Mary in Bridgwater. The tombs date from the early 18th century to the mid-19th century, with the 18th-century tombs made of limestone and the 19th-century tombs constructed from cast iron.

One chest tomb, dated 1711, is situated about 4 meters south of the south aisle. It is made of Ham Hill stone and features a slightly hipped top with rounded ends and a moulded edge. The sides have cyma-moulded limestone panels, while the ends are also made of Ham Hill stone, with the east end panelled and the west end displaying an eroded carving, possibly of an angel.

Another chest tomb from the early 18th century is located approximately 14 meters from the southeast corner of the chancel. It has moulded edges on a thick flat top above a worn frieze that may have dentils. The tomb features a moulded plinth and two panels on each side with semicircular tops, along with one panel on each end, all framed by pilasters with recessed panels.

Additionally, there are two low narrow rectangular cast-iron tombs with slightly pyramidal ends, each featuring inserted cast-iron panels with raised letters at their centers. One tomb, located about 12 meters south of the chancel, commemorates John and Elizabeth Leaker and is dated 1840. The other tomb, approximately 10 meters south of the chancel, commemorates John Edward Shrimpton, who died in 1845.