Bisbrooke, St John's Church

Bisbrooke, St John's Church

The small hamlet of Bisbrooke is set on a hill, amid winding, narrow lanes. The church of St John the Baptist is unremarkable in the historical sense, for though it is very attractive, the interior has been copiously restored in recent years. There is an old parish chest on display.

A more interesting feature is in the churchyard, where you will find a tombstone to Nathaniel Clarke (d. 1813). The tombstone features a carving illustrating a farm wagon drawn by four horses.

To one side is the wagoner, carrying a long whip and wearing a slouch hat, while in the background is a church tower and fencing. Farm tools are depicted in the corners.

While not remarkable in any sense, this 'Wagoner's Tombstone', as a framed article inside the church calls it, is interesting in that it depicts the deceased in his trade, rather than showing typical religious symbols.