Thain/Radford Headstones, Down St Mary Church
Several members of the Thain/Radford family were buried in Down St Mary churchyard. Their graves have unusual headstones, some of which incorporate mosaics, no doubt inspired by Rev WTA Radford.
Although some of the headstones are listed (Grade II), they are sadly suffering from weathering and lichen growth..
Emily, Rev Radford's widow, died in 1872 in Down St Mary
Mary Haache Thain, Rev Radford's sister, died in 1886 in Exeter
Thomas Thain, Rev Radford's brother-in-law, died in Exeter in 1864
Rev WTA Radford died in Down St Mary in 1896
According to National Heritage, this barely legible headstone is dated 1865 and is in memory of "Christian Illey Radford". I think it more likely is in memory of Rev Radford's younger son, Percival Charles, who died suddenly aged 22 in 1885.
by Peter Selley