All Saints Church in Aston - Monuments

A Coade stone plaque dedicated to William Mason

In the interior of All Saints church in Aston, various brasses adorn the tower and in the south aisle there are Coade stone wall plaques, with portraits in medallions in memory to the poet Thomas Gray and William Mason, the church's most famous Rector; however, the chancel contains the most interesting monuments, which are dedicated to prominent families, as well as another memorial to William Mason and other Rectors.

Monument to Sir John D'Arcy

On the north wall of the chancel, the monument to Sir John D'Arcy and three of his four wives, who are all represented as kneeling figures carved in alabaster, is the most impressive. Erected soon after 1627, this monument is an example of the style that was very fashionable during this period and which can also be seen in churches at Bakewell and Wentworth.

A detail of the monument to Sir John D'Arcy and wives

On the opposite side of the chancel wall, which contains exposed 13th century Rotherham Red sandstone masonry, three white marble plaques are dedicated to the Aldersons - various 19th century Rectors – and their families.

Monuments and memorials on the south chancel wall

Beneath these, there is a plaque dedicated to Sir Francis Fane and his wife, Elizabeth, who was the fourth wife of Sir John D'Arcy, which has a pilastered surround with a crest over it and other elaborate heraldic details, whose bright colours are evidence of recent restoration.

A detail of the crest to the Sir Francis Fane monument