Table stone burial
with boxed in sides and end supports. These are not uncommon
in old graveyards.
Often theses supports become detached and are removed leaving the
main table slab lying over the grave.
above and below: ~ side or end slabs
from a boxed table stone have been cemented into the
boundary wall.
Carved
gravestones built into the boundary walls. The
inscriptions can no longer be accessed.
Stones are stacked against the church walls,
they could be
read if the stones were moved.
Moving such heavy slabs of
sandstone is dangerous without proper equipment and the skills to
use it properly.
Although the
inscription on this stone is not accessible the carvings have
meaning to the viewer.
Mortality symbols top and bottom: ~ the hour glass reminds all that
life is for a limited period and crossed bones indicating that death
is inevitable. The symbols in the middle section depict a
spade and a pickaxe.
Such symbols indicate the trade of the deceased person, possibly a road
maker or 'causier' .
This gravestone is a memorial to
a taylor as is shown by the large scissors and the flat iron.
The broken top from this gravestone now lies half buried below it
but the inscription is no londer readable
In this instance the
trade of the deceased obviously has to do with building as is shown
by the carving of a man holding a mallet and chisel. The
inscription on the other side of the stone provides the full detail.
A very old gravestone
dated 1703 commemorates John Glencorse.
Here lies the
corps of Alexander BROUN in Auchenleck who departed this life June
1736 aged 59 years.