Grave Art - Hands

More Grave Art seen recently in cemeteries and graveyards. This post features hands in their many poses - clasped, pointing up, down and to one side. All found in Lancashire.

Grave Art - Birds

There were some splendid examples of grave art at Whitworth Cemetery in Lancashire. Here are a few 'bird' examples:

Weaste War Grave

According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commision register, Private John Reginald Taylor died 08 August 1916 from wounds received in France on 22 July 1916 aged 23. A member of A Coy, 19th Manchester Regiment, he was the son of Albert and Annie Taylor of 18 Ashwell Street, Seedley, Manchester.

Pte Taylor was buried in the family grave at Salford (Weaste) Cemetery. The inscription on the headstone states he was a member of the 4th Battalion Pals and died in his 24th year. The 19th (4th City) Battalion, Manchester Regiment fought at the Battle of the Somme.

Last week, I noticed that two of John Taylor's First World War medals were being offered on eBay. I made an offer which was accepted and received the medals through the post. I then decided to visit Weaste Cemetery to find his grave and took the medals with me. This I did and photographed the medals with the grave. He was entitled to three medals for his service. I have his 1914-15 Star and 1914-1919 Victory Medal. His silver British War Medal is missing, The family would also have received a Next of Kin Memorial Plaque which was issued to the next-of-kin of those who died in the Great War.

Two Angel Sentinels

Here's a gravestone that caught my interest at Manchester's Weaste Cemetery. It stands over the grave of Thomas Mosgrop and his family. Not only does it have an excellent mourning figure clinging to a broken column, but also a finely crafted Angel on each side of the stone. Beautiful!

The Townley Angel

Dunsop Bridge in the Trough of Bowland is said to be the nearest village to the dead centre of Britain. It is also home to the historic St Hubert's Church and the wonderful marble Angel that stands over the Towneley family vault. Mary, Lady Towneley (1935-2001) is buried here.

Boer War Grave Sites

Here are a few South African vintage postcards, mostly military graves from the Boer War. I think the manufacturer did a good job on them. I wonder what state they are in, today?

Monument to the Imperial Light Horse at Wagon Hill 

Monument to Worcester Regiment at Colesberg

Monument to the Rifle Brigade at Caesars Camp

The Cemetery at Chieveley

Monument to Connaught Rangers at Pieters Hill

Once Boer trenches, now the graves of British and Boers on Spion Kop

Graves of brave soldiers at Caesars Camp

Boer War and Zulu War Monuments - Pietermaritzburg

Cape Police Memorial - Kimberley

Rock of Ages

I came across this mourning figure at Heywood Cemetery in Lancashire. Unfortunately, the details of those commemorated has eroded and I have yet to discover any more information. Below the figure's foot runs the embossed words 'Rock of Ages' and, to the right of that is inscribed name of the sculptor - F W Bayon. Looking more closely at this memorial, it reminds me of a jigsaw and I wonder whether it had been shattered and put back together?