St Michael & All Angels Church, Great Witley (Foley Monument)

This monument was designed and carved by Michael Rysbrack, a Dutch sculptor born in Antwerp in 1694. He also produced monuments of the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace, and Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey. It commemorates Thomas Lord Foley, Baron of Kidderminster, and his family. The monument was commissioned by Lady Foley in 1735, 2 years after Lord Foley's death, at a cost of £2,000; it is contemporary with the church building, which was consecrated the same year. It is one of the tallest in the country, and depicts Lord Foley, his wife and 5 children who predeceased them. The inscriptions are in latin.

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)