Skulls on tombs

[PassionPlay]

I took this picture in Exeter cathedral last week



Apart from the fabulous example of Elizabethan costume, I was fascinated by the fact that the lady is obviously not at rest - and has a skull under her arm.

Does the skull signify anything specific? 

Here's a close up



I was too late for the guided tour or I would have asked at the time (too long in the library!)

Steph.

[Berlin-Bob]

Hi Steph,

there is a (maybe) related topic here:

Topic: Spooky Gravestone Markings
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,171301.0.html

it's about gravestones, rather than tomb carvings, but may give you a few pointers for further searching.

Good luck,
Bob

[liverpool annie]

Hi Steph !

Here's the names of the couple .... wonder if you could find out about them !!

http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/Tour/Tour16.html

Annie 

[d.weaving]

I spent a morning in St Peter's some ago,I must have photographed every grave and inscription,nooks and crannies,the gorgeous ceiling and artwork,forget how many films I got through that day cos I lost everyone on the way back home
Derek

[Guy Etchells]

It is a development from the earlier table tombs which had an alabasta lifelike figure on the table and a carved stone skeleton underneath the table.
That represented the changes from life to death.
The skull is a representation of the mortality of man.
Cheers
Guy

[liverpool annie]

Guy !

Did they only do it to women ? ........ the husband didn't have a skull - and he's lying on his back and she's on her side .... any significance ?!!

Annie 

[Jed59]

Possibly he's trying to get some sleep and she's saying...."and another thing...."


I'll get me coat...

[PassionPlay]

Hi Steph !

Here's the names of the couple .... wonder if you could find out about them !!

http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/Tour/Tour16.html

Annie 

How's this Annie 

http://www.familytreelegends.com/trees/patlowe/1/data/543#smartmatches 

I should have taken more notice of her neighbour 

Thanks for the comments and links guys, verrry interesting!

Steph.

[liverpool annie]

I hope he's one of yours Steph !!  that would be so cool !!

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0qr/

Jed59 ...... let me help you with your coat !!