Group Of 6 Chest Tombs Immediately To South Of South Aisle Of Parish Church

This is a group of six chest tombs located immediately to the south of the south aisle of the Parish Church in Chard. The tombs are made of limestone. The tomb on the left (west) dates from the late 17th century and features a flat top with chamfered and rounded edges. Its sides display two semi-circular arches with keystones and imposts, along with circular florets in the central spandrels. All panels have inscriptions, and the southern tomb commemorates John Wilby, who died in 1676, with the north-facing panel possibly dating to 1716.

The central tombs are from the early 18th century and have shallow hipped tops with moulded edges and plinths. The ends feature convex panels that reflect the shape of the tops. The tomb on the right (east) is also from the late 17th century and has two shields on its east-facing panel; the left shield contains two circles, while the right has horizontal stripes. Inscriptions are present on all other sides, with Gothic lettering on the left and Roman on the rear.

There is a pair of chest tombs, one located about 4 meters from the center of the south wall of the south aisle, which is late 17th century with a flat top, chamfered edge, plinth, and moulded panels. The other tomb is approximately 4 meters to the east and 4 meters from the southeast corner of the church, dating from the 18th century, featuring a hipped top with moulded edges and plinth, along with raised-and-fielded panels on the sides.