heaven), or other devices such as weeping willows. Gothic Revival followed, with the obvious return to alabaster, tomb chests and recumbent effigies. However, the Victorian age saw many differing styles, until large-scale monuments fell out of fashion at the end of the century. 20th-century large-scale monuments are not unknown, but quite rare. Examples of English church monuments The church monuments of England, in particular, have been preserved in far greater numbers and, generally, in better condition than those of other countries. They are second to none in artistic merit. Fine examples may be found in cathedrals and parish churches in every county. "An Arundel Tomb" "An Arundel Tomb", one of the best-known works by 20th-century English poet Philip Larkin, was inspired by a 14th-century English effigial monument. It was Larkin's response to a tomb monument in Chichester Cathedral, and the fact that the husband and wife subjects were portrayed holding hands. The photo at right also shows the stylized lion and dog figures at the feet of the lord and lady, respectively. See also Funerary hatchment Ledger stone Notes Bibliography . External links The Church Monuments Society Royal Berkshire History: Church Monuments Churchmouse: Church Monuments & Other Memorials of Interest (mostly Lincolnshire) Medieval Combat Society: Thirteenth and Fourteenth Century Armorial Monumental Effigy and Brass Timeline Handbook for identification and repair Burial monuments and structures Architecture in England Monuments and memorials in England