Hi Ned & Brandt
( This probably breaks some kind of forum record as a belated response - I've had a mad couple of months relocating workshop ).
Yeah the first photo does look better with the lion removed, I think I just liked the little fella so I left him in. I've cropped a little tighter as well. It was a difficult shot to frame as the tomb is at an awkward level & surrounded by a rail & other clutter.
Re the 2nd photo, you're probably right Brandt although I have no problem with figures vertically on top of each other ( stained glass design training I guess ). Anyway, I've attached a tighter crop with the plinth darkened.
Thanks for the responses & best wishes for 2014
Graeme