Description:Graves belonging to the Evans family in the churchyard of St. Peter's Church, Ellastone. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) based her novel 'Adam Bede' on Ellastone, named as Hayslope in the book which was published in 1859. The title character was based on her father, Robert Evans, who was a carpenter and builder and lived in this house during the first half of the 19th century. These graves are those of other members of the Evans family.
In the background is Adam Bede's Cottage or House, a Grade II listed building, parts of which date from 1619. During the 19th century it was the home of the Evans family and for much of the 20th century it was used as a doctor's surgery. Since 1960 it has been a private dwelling.
Photograph by Alfred McCann of Uttoxeter.