A group of six chest tombs located in the north east corner of the graveyard close to the Bordyke road.

1. South Panel "Sacred to the memory of John Pierce who died July 19th 1824 (?) aged 22 years"
(adjacent)
not fully legible inscription but possibly "Samuel Lyles of Meadow Bank who died Novemebr (?) sleeping in Jerusalem".

East Panel Further inscription, illegible, but to a Pierce "Loved of Mary Pierce born Nov 22 1779 died ? October 1849.

North Panel Two inscriptions "Sacred to the memory of Ann Sargent daugther of the above Cruttall and Mary Pierce who died August 27th 1832 aged 28 years". "Sacred to the memory of Benjamin Cruttall Pierce Seaman Esq. of Upper Gower Street London so far ? and Rotherby and Hoby county Leicester son of the above Cruttall and Mary Pierce who died June 13th 1858 aged 63 years".

West Panel and top slab inscriptions illegible.

Tomb Decription: Two step base with holes for railings and end panels support incriptions and support top stone with bull nose string course under. Mix of sandstone and limestone. Stands 750mm tall above plinth, chest (excluding top slab) 830 x 1800mm.

Defects: Plinth sunk into centre. South panel collapsed and broken, other panels moving out. Top stone unsupported as no internal brick core. Heavily overgrown.

Recommendations: Totally rebuilt or dismantled urgently.

2. South Panel: "Sacred to the memory of Joanna E.C. Beeching. Beloved? daughter of H & S Beeching who died June 9th 1804. Aged 35 years. Gift of God is eternal lift through Jesus Christ our Lord"

East Panel: "Sacred to the memory of Horatio Beeching of F? Hall? Born May 20th 1797, died March 8th 1878" (Two further illegible lines)

West Panel: "Sacred to the memory of Catherine Beeching widow of the late Horatio Beeching who died July 9th 1880 aged 56. And the? from heaven saying unto me write blessed the dead which die in the Lord henceforth. Yea shall ?, Rev XIV, 12."

North Panel: "Sacred to the memory of? loved ? Horatio and Beeching who died " (incomplete inscription).

Tomb Description: Two step plinth supporting chest of side and end panels and corner pilasters in Doric form with mould bases. Inscription tablets raised. Mould and pitched top with flat apex. Chest (excluding top) 720 x 1730 and tomb 900 mm high.

Defects: Plinth is collapsing into vault under. Chst starting to move. Heavily overgrowth.

Recommendations: Take down and rebuild on new base over vault or dismantle within 12 - 18 months.

3. South Panel: Illegible inscription.

North Panel: "Sacred ...(incomplete) Mr Joseph Creasy who died June 9th 18? Aged 38 years (rest lost).

Tomb Description: Two step plinth supported chest very similar to 2. above, probably same maker.

Defects: Settlement of plinth with extensive plant growth and small trees and ivy. Chest leans 15 degrees to north, top lifting due to ivy roots.

Recommendations: Remove all plant growth, repoint open joints, remove tree roots.

4. Inscriptions only on the north panel and these are illegible. Tomb is probably mid-19th century.

Tomb Description: Single plinth badly eroded with fixing holes for railings. End and side panels separated by fluted corner pilasters with classical bases which continue under panels. Pilasters have no capitals. All panels have raised and fielded areas. Top slab has moulded edge projecting. Tomb 1000mm high above plinth. Chest, excluding top, 960 mm x 1980mm

Defects: Heavily overgrown with ivy. Chest lifting due to cramp damage and rocking southwards. South panel anf pilasters falling out ans splitting. North side plinth moved out. Base under panels has been lost and much of the brick core has been lost. SOme loss of pointing under upper slab.

Recommendations: Liable to collapse in 12 - 18 months. Either totally rebuild or dismantle.

5 & 6. Both are totally overgrown and need clearing before assessment can be made.(1)

<1> Unknown, 2001, Tonbridge SS Peter & Paul Chest Tomb Inspection (Unpublished document). SKE7980.