Snapshots of Local History
Image above: Sir Thomas Master in the Lady Chapel
With contributions from Cirencester Archaeological & Historical Society, Cirencester Civic Society, members & friends
Among the many and varied memorials to past Cirencestrians are three which always attract the attention of many visitors who join the guided tours of the church, available between March and October.
Two of these memorials – The Bridges Monument and that of Sir Thomas Master are in the Lady Chapel and the third, to the Monox family, is on the west wall of the South Aisle. All three tell stories and reflect changes in religious and cultural attitudes, architectural styles and clothing.
The Bridges Monument commemorates lawyer Humfrey Bridges (d.1598), his wife Elizabeth (d.1620) and their eleven children. Dating from the 1630s and in a late Renaissance style, it is made of painted alabaster with many classical details such as columns, obelisks and cherubs. This ornate and imposing monument – so large that part of a window was blocked up to accommodate it – speaks of great wealth.
The couple lie side by side under a coffered canopy, wearing Elizabethan dress, albeit a rather plain and austere form with their hands in prayer. On either side are separate canopies each containing the kneeling figure of a son holding a prayer book. On the plinth below are six kneeling daughters, holding prayer books, who act as weepers and between Ionic columns are three children who died in infancy.
The Bridges family are in such a prominent position because they were benefactors to the town, giving almshouses and money for the poor. In the August 2025 edition of Ciren Scene Linda and David Viner, writing about the Brewin family, mentioned almshouses in Querns Lane which have a direct link to the “six lodgings and habitations, originally in Dollar Street, and an annuity of six shillings a week for six poor widows“ provided for in the Will of Elizabeth Bridges.
Over time, monuments may be moved from their original position and one such is that of the Monox family. Dating from the 1640s, it was for many years in St John’s Chapel but this fine monument was moved to its more prominent position at the west end of the South Aisle in 2010.
Made from alabaster and black and white marble with traces of colour, this canopied monument shows two kneeling figures holding hands. George Monox (d.1638 ) and his wife Mary are shown in Jacobean dress. On the chest below, their two daughters, as weepers, illustrate how the neck ruff has become a lace collar as fashions changed.
The Monox family owned land in and around Cirencester and George Monox was born in the town. A wealthy wool merchant, and Sheriff of London under Charles 1, he also traded out of Bristol in wool, wine, olive oil and salt. His coat of arms shows an anchor and the monument is topped with a seagull. The family gave money for almshouses and various pious causes in the town, hence this grand memorial to their memory.
Back in the Lady Chapel and dating from the early 1700s is the monument to Sir Thomas Master (d.1680). He was MP for Cirencester and his family home was on the site of the Augustinian Abbey, now the Abbey Grounds public park. A staunch Royalist, he signed the Gloucestershire address welcoming King Charles II’s Restoration in 1660.
With its Baroque styling and classical detailing, this monument forms a great contrast with the solemn formality of the nearby Bridges memorial. Sir Thomas, sculpted in marble, lies in a relaxed pose with a bare foot and loose robe. However, he does wear a full-bottomed wig denoting his wealth and status! Its Classical styling reflects the sculptures of ancient Rome and the four plaques on the tomb chest are inscribed in Latin, rather than English as in the Bridges inscription.
These plaques are dedicated to members of Sir Thomas’ family. In plaque 4, he is described as : “ The best of fathers……..dutifully honourable…….truly generous, whatever ……was appropriate….for a gentleman”.
Ruth Iliffe
Thanks to David Iliffe for the photographs.
Support Cirencester’s principal heritage societies and their event programmes: Archaeological & Historical Society (www.cirenhistory.org.uk) and Civic Society (www.cirencestercivicsociety.org.uk), which runs a programme of Town Walks in the season plus pre-booked for small groups. Please contact Rob Tuttle: townwalks@cirencestercivicsociety.org.uk – 07771-998182
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