HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 291 



side is the figure of a ram. Above this square are figures of four 

 lions, which form this part of the font into an octagonal shape. 

 Each of these lions supports an upright figure, between which are 

 four semi-globes. The whole is surmounted by projecting mould- 

 ings and fascia measuring three feet six inches across. The height 

 of the font is three feet three inches, and the interior or cavity is 

 sufficiently large for the immersion of infants. In this font are two 

 small holes, one which runs through the centre of it, and the other 

 which penetrates the sides. The inscription appears to be in the 

 Saxon character ; but being much plastered with paint, it is not 

 possible to decypher it correctly. All which we could make out 

 of it, was as follows : 



CLEX. MC FACIENS 

 TALE. * * * * 1ES 

 * * DISCRGIVS.*" 



The altar-piece, which is of the Corinthian order, is painted ; 

 and the organ is said to be one of the finest in the kingdom. A seat 

 in the nave, appropriated to the three town magistrates, is in the 

 fanciful style called arabesque. It was fitted up in the year 1708, 

 and was the gift of a Mr. Bromley, of this town. 



There are several ancient and modern monuments in this church; 

 the most conspicuous of which is an altar tomb in honour of Lady 

 Ann Aston, and her husband Lord Edward, of Tixall. It is in the 

 north aisle, enclosed with iron railing, which includes the burial- 

 piaee of the Cliffords, of Tixall. A very elegant mural monument 

 of white marble bears the following inscription: 



" HM " 



" MARY, eldest daughter and co-heiress of James, fifth Lord Aston. Born 

 August 14, 1743. Married Sept. 21, 1766, to Sir Walter Blount, Bart. Perished 

 by fire, Jan, 30, 1805. 



R. I. P." 



Undjer this inscription there is a finely-executed figure of a 

 phoenix in alto-relievo. 



"The monument next deserving of notice in this church is that 

 of Sir Edward Aston, and his Lady Joan; whose figures are re- 

 presented in alabaster, under a large canopy. Sir Edward was the 

 person who constructed the curious mansion of Tixall. This gentle- 



* Beauties of England and Wales, Vol. XIII. pp. 891-3. 



