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In the church-yard are some sepulchral monuments, which have long
been the subject of antiquarian speculation, not yet decided.
Thus much is evident, that the pillars alluded to are of one
stone, formed like the ancient spears; the shafts round, for
about seven feet high; above that, they appear to be square, and
to have terminated in a point. They are about ten feet high,
stand parallel to the church, distant from each other fifteen
feet. The space between is inclosed with circular stones, by some
conjectured to represent boars. There remains visible, on the
upper part of the pillars, some ornamental work, but no
inscription or figures appear at present, and the stones are so
much fretted by time, that it rests upon mere conjecture to
affirm there ever were any. They probably mark the tomb of some
great man, or family, before the custom was introduced of
interring within churches, and are most likely British, or if
not, must be Saxon.
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There are many pleasing rides in the environs of Perith; most of
them lead to curious remains of ancient monuments, or to modern
rural improvements. In Whinfield-park are the Countess-pillar,
the White-hart tree, and the Three-brothers' tree; the first
particular is a filial tribute of Ann, Countess Dowager of
Pembroke, to the memory of her pious mother, Mary, Countess
Dowager
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