 |
 |
 |
 |
| Holywood's monuments, like those in many 18th and 19th century graveyards, come in all shapes and sizes. |
|
|
The
largest monuments like those shown here, are often found in their own railed
enclosures. Their size and decoration reflect the wealth of the family who had them erected. Time, allied with the weather, serves as a great leveler.
Often it is the humblest of grave monuments that have best stood the test of time and the elements. Inscriptions
well cut into red or buff sandstone, although such stone is less durable than granite,
serve their purpose well and carry much clearer inscriptions and
details commemorating deceased family members.
|
|
|
The scene above is not uncommon. When a large stone falls and hits another, as this one has, the result is usually catastrophic. Smaller stones will sometime fall cleanly and be left where they lie or be moved aside to allow
the ground maintenance
teams easy access when curring the grass.
|
|
 |
The stone on the right has parted from its plinth and been broken by the fall. The pieces are stacked where they fell.
The stone below, photographed in 2003, is in fragments. Fortunately
the inscription was recorded at an earlier time. |
| What caused this stone to fall so disastrously is anyone's guess. It could have been caused by changes in the stability of the sub-soil due to excessive rain or drought? What is in not
in doubt is that the broken pieces are beyond repair and will probably be discarded. |
Why this has not happened yet is probably due to the difficulty of handling such large fragments. The D&G Council Grounds Dept. are responsible for the upkeep of graveyards. Such upkeep does not amount to much more than keeping the grass levels down. |
|
|
One stone has fallen from its plinth and two others have been relocated near this boundary wall. Whether stones are moved or left where they fall seems to be decided in terms of the access for the maintenance teams and their grass-cutting equipment.
|
|
|
Stones can be secured to their plinths with cement, others with iron pins, others fit into socket slots. Only the latter stand the ravages of the weather. Many stones have developed a marked tilt, they will eventually fall no matter how they are secured to their plinth.
|
|
|
This large stone has fallen from its plinth and then been righted behind it. The lower inscription can't be read.
|
|
|
Stones with such a tilt as these will eventually fall face down. The L.A. have no policy to preserve the inscriptions.
|
|
|
Some stones may break before they fall. This one has withstood the fall and now lies face down. It is far too heavy to be turned over without proper lifting equipment.
|
|
|
Here a stone has broken from its plinth, tilted backwards and now rests against another stone. The decorative top of this stone has been removed for safety reasons.
|
|
|
This imposing sandstone monument appears
to have once carried a tall inscription plaque.
This plaque, probably in marble, has broken
free and fallen from its location and is now
missing. Who is commemorated here?
|
|
 |
|