Monument record 1163/1/3 - Canopied tomb in St Mary's churchyard

Canopied Tomb of a member of the Venables Family in Churchyard of St Mary. Originally within the church. Late 13th century. Yellow sandstone ashlar. Canopied tomb. Diagonal buttresses to the corners. Moulded top to the slab which has two heavily effaced figures, one male and one female, their hands clasped in prayer. Canopy above with pinnacles, has a 16th century inscription claiming the tomb as that of a Brereton. It is more likely to be a member of the Venables Family. Upgraded from II to II star in 1993 (1).

Free standing canopied tomb together with 2 recumbent effigies. Tomb of fine grained buff sandstone with a canopy of stone slabs. Two recumbent figures of sandstone, 1 male and 1 female lying on a coffin. Tomb is 2.4m long and 1.4m wide and 3.3m high. Whole structure is elaborately decorated with carved foliate edges, crocketed finials and blind tracery. In style it dates back to the late 13th century. Tomb is known as the Venables tomb and was probably erected by a member of this prominent local family. But there is an inscription on the west wall of the tomb dating to the 16th century and claiming to be the tomb of Adulphus Brereton, Knight. The tomb was restored in 1993 and a lead coffin was found beneath together with the bones of a single adult within. Beside the tomb are 2 recumbent figures - on the north is a knight in armour with a shield on his breast and feet resting on a lion. Figure on the south side is a cleric lying on his back with hands clasped in prayer. All figures are eroded. A rare survival of a once common church monument, quality of carving and overall designmake this an important example of its kind (4).

<1> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /4/55 (Report). SCH1934.

<2> Cartlidge, Rev. J.E. Gordon, 1963, A Short History of the Church of St Mary Astbury Cheshire (Book). SCH111.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ86SW3/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), English Heritage 2000,32563 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<4> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), English Heritage 2000,32563 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<6> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Robinson K 1993 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

<7> McNeil R, The Barrow at Church Lawton North Alsager (Book). SCH3055.