Projects > Berkeley Table Tomb
Restoration of the Grade II listed table tomb, plus new signage and pathway at St Mary's Church, Berkeley
Posted: 13th October 2014
Funding: £30,000.00
Scheme Type: Normal Grants
Project Type: Heritage Buildings & Places of Worship
Area: Stroud District Council
Berkeley Table Tomb, St Mary the Virgin, Church Lane, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BN
Churchyards in this country provide a rich treasure of public monuments and sculpture, many dating from the Middle Ages. No other space in the public domain can rival these landscapes. The origins of the table (or 'chest') tomb as a distinct form of memorial are difficult to trace, since churchyard memorials are exposed and vulnerable to the elements, vandalism and accidental damage.
The restoration of 37 Grade II listed monuments at St Mary's Church Berkeley has now been completed together with installation of new signage and a pathway linking the churchyard with Berkeley Castle and the Jenner Museum.
These important tombs have attracted a noticeable increase in the number of visitors, many of whom are from abroad. An information board is on permanent display in the church porch and an interpretation board is to be installed in a prominent position at the churchyard entrance. An information booklet will be available in the church, castle and museum.
Numerous groups, including the highly regarded Bristol and Gloucester Archaeology Society, have visited the churchyard whilst local schoolchildren have shown particular interest and it is hoped that more visits will be arranged over the coming year.
Website: www.gloucester.anglican.org