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The illustration, from the Gentleman's Magazine of Jan-June 1865, shows an unusual memorial in St Michael & All Angels churchyard. It was described as:
"...thought to have been intended for a memorial of twins dying in infancy ... [the memorial measured: height - 9.5 in; length - 2 ft 1in; width at broader end where crosses are - 1ft 10.5 in; at other end - 1ft 8.5 in.]
...it was found built up in a wall at the restoration of the church, and is now preserved in the churchyard."
The Church was restored/remodelled in 1857 & 1858. On February 26th 1859 it reopened following the restoration work - could this have been when the stone was moved into the Churchyard?
Paul Lanagan said: This mystery has finally been solved! In April 2012 we confirmed that the Infants Tomb is located in the South Transept of St Michael & All Angels Church, and although broken into two pieces, it is nice to know that Bernard Gilpin is watching over the infants - as his large altar tomb is alongside them!
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PAGE UPDATED: 07/04/2012

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[ YOU ARE HERE: Houghton Heritage > Articles > Mysteries Menu > The Infants' Tomb ]
[ RELATED PAGE: Houghton Heritage > Articles > Parish Church ]
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