The table top mausoleum of John Russell. Esquire of Nether Heworth Hall. He was a wealthy landowner, colliery and staith owner. There are three memorials in the church to the Russell family of Heworth Hall, undoubtedly the most important residents of Nether Heworth. John Russell Esq. was kin to the wealthy coal baron William Russell of Sunderland and Brancepeth Castle, who thought to have built Heworth Hall in the early years of the 18th Century. A cousin, Matthew Russell owned the Follonsby Estate. The Russell's owned collieries on Wearside, notably Russell's Main at Washington and Usworth and built the Washington Waggonway to Bill Quay Staith in the early 18th Century. John Russell died at Heworth Hall in 1832 at the ripe old age of 90. He seems to have been a cheerful, hearty, energetic man who enjoyed being 'Squire' to the village. He was a great friend of John Hodgson, a constant benefactor to Heworth Church and to the Parish School. (J M Hewitt)
This tomb which was once surrounded by iron railings, is now completely engulfed by a rampant ivy and probably damaged by the two emerging trees. It is noticeable though on this photo that the ivy is dying in parts, and as it was taken in June this year, it is probable that it has been treated with weed killer by the council staff.