Alston family and monument

The Alston family have a lasting connection to Great Bromley by virtue of the fine, Grade II listed monument in the church yard. The listing on Historic England states:

Monument. Mid C19 with later inscriptions. To the Family of Edward John Alston Esq. Died 1886 and Mary his wife died 1857 of Great Bromley Hall, yellow stone. Tall, square plan of 3 decreasing stages. The lower stage with chamfered plinth and inscribed sunk panels to each face. Elaborate second stage, moulded base, plinth and entablature, the frieze with running diamond and circle motifs. Each face with splayed end pilasters, moulded capitals and bases, central moulded roundels, inscribed grey stone centres, traces of gold paint to inscriptions. The small third stage with moulded base and entablature surmounted by a small dome and finial. Open moulded roundheaded side arches, moulded capitals and bases to shafted jambs. Beneath the dome is lotus bud on a moulded plinth. The various inscriptions relate to Mary and Edward Alston their 10 children and families. A son, Roland died 1851 and daughter Emily died 1957. Son Edward Daniel, Commander of the ship "Roman Empire" and his wife Grace were lost at sea with all hands when the ship sank in 1890. Various other names and dates through to 1935.

More soon. The Great Bromley Churchwardens and Historian always welcome any contact from the Alston Family or anyone with information about them.