Our conservators (Cliveden Conservation) have completed major conservation repair works to the historic monument in the Chapel to Sir John Pakington (d.1727). This monument is by Joseph Rose who was in fact a celebrated maker of ornamental plaster. He created some of the finest plasterwork in Britain working with architects such as Robert Adam. Yet, in the chapel at Hampton Lovett Church is found something very different. The monument to Sir John Pakington (d.1727) is a rarity. One of only two known examples (certainly in churches) of a monument sculpted by Joseph Rose. Sir John is shown as a rising figure and appears to be pointing to the inscription above and to his right, inviting the observer to read.  This statue is a far cry from the ‘sleeping in death’ figures previously found in memorial sculpture.

After careful dismantling, an archaeological survey was carried out followed by conservation, cleaning and re-erection of all the component parts of the monument on the west wall of the chapel. External works to the wall were also undertaken.   Some interesting findings emerged. When fully dismantled there were over sixty component parts to the monument. A giant jigsaw for our conservators to complete when rebuilding! We know the monument was relocated to the Chapel in 1858-9 and within the packing behind we found a good example of Victorian glass. Intriguingly, an old saw blade was discovered that had been left as a 'temporary' wedge in part of the support to the monument. Presumably, forgotten and left behind in error. Hopefully, the carpenter didn't miss it!  Sir John is now back on his plinth and we were pleased to discover the missing part of his thumb - sheared off at some point in the past. This is now reaffixed but sadly part of one finger remains lost in the mists of time.