Rare 17th Century baby memorial to be rehomed

The memorial contains an effigy of Anne and an inscription

A rare memorial for a one-month-old baby who died in the 17th Century is being moved into public view after being rediscovered.

Anne Baynhan's parents paid a "significant" fee for her Painswick stone effigy after she died in 1632, which was "very unusual" for that period.

In December 2023, her memorial was found behind an organ at Holy Trinity Church in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, while the instrument was being dismantled for refurbishment. Following a year of fundraising, it will now go on display.

Resident John Mounsey said: "It's not just a beautiful thing, it's also a rather poignant human story from 400 years ago."

Mr Mounsey said the initial plans for Anne's memorial was to "just take photographs" of it and then cover it up.

"That can't happen, it's a beautiful thing and it's very interesting as well," he said.

Following fundraising efforts by Mr Mounsey, the memorial will be moved by stonemasons on Friday and be displayed near the church's font.

John Mounsey said the subject of the memorial was "unusual"

Anne's parents, Joseph Baynham and Alice Freame, did not have any other children following her death.

"It's very unusual to have a 17th Century memorial to a baby," Mr Mounsey said.

Mr Mounsey came into contact with Roger Baynham, a direct descendant of Anne's cousins, following a chance conversation with a neighbour.

Mr Baynham, who lives near Stroud, said his family was "very happy to support the movement" of the memorial.

Anne's direct cousin Mr Baynham said his family have carried out "quite a lot" of research into their genealogy

He said some of his family have carried out "quite a lot" of research into their genealogy, so he knew there was a memorial for Anne at Holy Trinity Church but did not know where.

"Infant mortality was prevalent at that stage so it was not only a great personal tragedy, but the family was able to commemorate that in this way, which must have been some significant cost given the considerable work that's gone into it," he said.