The Horner Monument

The monument commemorating Sir George and Lady Horner constructed in 1676 dominates the small side chapel in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cloford.

The centrepieces of the monument are the three quarter length portraits of Sir George and Lady Horner with finely detailed period dress. They sit in classical niches with winged cherubs faces overhead. The portraits are surrounded by ornate classical relief carvings including volutes and swags of fruits. The outer order comprises of attached classical columns and capitals supporting a broken pediment. On top of each section of the pediment is a reclining allegorical figure robed in classical drapery. The coat of arms surmounted by an attribute in the form of a dog sits within the pediment. The upper section is supported by a substantial shelf and corbels displaying acanthus leaf decoration. The inscription panel is surrounded by classical swirls and volutes and a winged cherub’s face. The overall design has the desired impact of informing the public that this is a monument to a family of considerable substance and standing within the community. There remain extensive areas of the original polychrome decoration on both carved figures and mouldings, which provide some indication of the even greater visual impact that the monument would have given in its original condition.