Spooky Gravestone Markings

[Guy Etchells]

I came across a odd marking on a grave the other day does anyone know if there was any significance

Widthways on the base was a crossed bones then a skull then crossed bones again?

Andrew

and I do have a pic

Where is the tombstone the marking at the top (winged head) is what is known as a Belvoir Angel and commonly found in the Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire but occassionally elsewhere.
Cheers
Guy

[Andi R]

It's at Aspatria in Cumbria (Cumberland) @ St Kentigram's

Andrew

[Guy Etchells]

Hi Andrew,

I'm pretty sure these types of emblems/carvings refer to 'death'.

I hope they do anyway, otherwise half the population of Stirlingshire were either spooks or pirates!

Anne

From Top left-

(hourglass) signifies the passage of life
(skull) - mortality
(crossbones) - mortality
(book & spade) - bible and death
The cross in the centre is an ankh (an Egyptian or Gnostic cross)  which is an emblem of faith.
Cheers
Guy

[goggy]

Well now,from my multifarious reading's,(or should that be nefarious?)it seem's that Freemason's used this symbol a lot,and 'up north'was supposed to have been a place of refuge after the destruction of the Knight's Templar's order in France.
Nobility is not required for the use of the symbolism,from what I understand,membership was nobility in itself.
Now, I will get off me bike or my interest will bore you to tear's!!!
               Regard's,Goggy.
       

[Andi R]

all this is why I believe gravestones should be cared for as they are live (or dead) history books and the art on them is as good as any

Andrew

[goggy]

Andrew,agreed,have you seen the other reference's to other gravestone recordin's on this site?
'Celia' is one example,doing a Bobby's job!There has also been a suggestion that a 'Gravestone record' site be included.
                Regard's,Goggy.

[Guy Etchells]

May I suggest gravestones be recorded like this
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~framland/stcr/stjsc1.htm

The site includes photos, transcripts & burial register.
Cheers
Guy

[kerryb]

Hi everyone

Noticed on a visit to Godstone graveyard in Surrey that there were several very old (1700s) gravestones with skull and crossbones.

In the back of my mind I seem to think that there was a specific reason for putting skull and crossbones on gravestones.  Was it something to do with criminals?

Does anyone know?

I know I've seen the odd one around different graveyards but here there were several.  Why?

Thanks for any thoughts

Kerry


Moderator Comment:  topics merged

[d.weaving]

I've come across the same thing Kerry,alway's thought it was something to do with pirates.
Derek.