Scope and Content
In churchyard on north side close to path going towards the Bury on stone slab raised up on bricks. 'Here lieth buried Mary wife of William Hanscombe, gentleman, she died March 11th 1692, aged 70 years.' At the bottom of this tomb is small stone with inscription 'Here lieth buried Robert, son of Robert Hanscombe. He died July 28th, 1687 aged 2 years.' On large raised tomb railed in. Buried here are James, born July 24th 1841 died 20th June 1850, son of William Hanscombe & wife nee Kempson. The said William Hanscombe born 19th July 1792, Ann his wife died 18th May 1882. Ann sister of William Hanscombe born 21st August 1797, died November 9th 1878. Within railings are buried: Thomas More ,son of William & Frances A.B. Hanscombe (nee Dawe), born 26th February 1882, died 30th March 1890. Philip Barnard, son of William & Frances A.B. Hanscombe, born 19th February 1884, died 26th November 1897. William Hanscombe, born 23rd February 1843, died 24th June 1909. Arthur Alan son of William & Frances A.B. Hanscombe born 28th December 1878, died 19th October 1915. In the new burial part of Churchyard - Hugh James, son of William & F.A.B. Hanscombe born 28th June 1880, died 13 Dec 1928. Shillington, inside the Church - In North Chapel on the tomb stone of James Hanscombe the following: 'Here lyeth interred under this stone the body of James Hanscombe senior, who was a good benefactor to the poor, he departed this life in the 86th year of his age , anno domini 1660, the 5th of February. From Pirton Registry he was baptised there in 1574 - he was the third son of Matthew Hanscombe of Holwell Bury, Beds who died about 1592 leaving Holwell Bury to his eldest son Robert, Pirton Grange, his second son William and dwellings and lands in Shillington to third son (the above named James - called senior as he outlived his elder brother whose son James had succeeded to Pirton Grange estate - Matthew left youngest son, Matthew, lands, some in Meppershall & money, and each of his five daughters a hundred pounds. On small slab in aisle , near belfry 'Here lieth buried Mary wife of William Hanscombe, gentleman, died March 11th 1692 aged 70 years'. (This is identical with inscription on tomb in churchyard !!) On big slab nearer the belfry is written 'Sacred to the memory of James Hanscombe, whose remains rest beneath this stone, son of James and Anne (nee Trustram) Hanscombe of Pirton Grange, Hertfordshire, who died June 16th 1819 aged 24 years.' ' Here also repose the remains of the last named James Hanscombe, gentleman, who departed this life May 24th 1821, aged 66 years. Also of Elizabeth Hanscombe his youngest daughter who died June 16th 1821 aged 25 years and Anne his wife who died Dec 5th 1845 aged 82 years. In aisle nearer screen are following inscriptions to Lacy family who married Hancombes. 'Here lieth the body of Matthew Lacey of Aspley End, gentleman who departed this life November 29th 1736 aged 68 years and 9 months. He was a person truly religious, a kind husband, a prudent parent, esteemed by his neighbours and beloved by the poor.' 'Here also lieth the body of Mary Lacy, departed this life Jan 6th 1748 aged 73 years.' 'Matthew Lacy the younger of Aspley End, gentleman, deposited this stone in memory of Anne his wife who departed this life October 1735 aged 37 years and lies buried here.' (Daughter of James Hanscombe who married Ann Hammond). 'Here also lieth the body of the above named Matthew Lacy , gentleman who died May 17th 1745, aged 53 years.' Also included is a rough sketch family tree.