In Memoriam - a series of glimpses into attitudes to death and how it is marked

As an occasional student of funerary architecture, I often visit cemeteries and graveyards. It is surprising what interesting stories arise by just reading the words on the headstones. Not so many years ago, I found a headstone that marked the grave of an Edwardian gentleman and his wife. After her name was inscribed the words 'The escaped Nun'. Now that's a story to think about.

Some of the larger London Cemeteries have open days where guided tours take place. In one case, the catacombs were opened and it was fascinating to see how the Victorians commemorated Death. Often while visiting junk shops and bric-a-brac fairs, I would find postcards and photographs of tombs and funerals filed under the heading of Social History. They cost just a few pence and I would put them in a postcard album. Recently, I found two of the albums which contain several hundred cards. I thought you might appreciate my sharing a few of the more unusual images with you.

What's in a Name?

I came across this cross in our local churchyard. I was interested in the Christian name, Arthurina. When I did some research, it was listed as the female version of Arthur. This got me thinking. Was she referred to as Arthur for short? I thought this was pretty unique, but as I started writing this, I thought of Fredericka which must be the female version of Frederick. I guess there must be others, but I can't think of any. Does anyone know of other examples of cross-naming?

This Angel is Sleeping

A closer look at the previous angel. Her angelic expression as she sleeps head on hands never fails to captivate me. I hope I have an angel like her to watch over my grave when I am gone.

Some people say they have a guardian angel. I am sure others do, but do not like to admit it. Do you have a guardian angel.

Angels watch over Us

As a long time student of funerary architecture, I have long been fascinated by the wide variety of Angels to be found in cemeteries and graveyards that I have visited. Any that caught my eye, were captured by my camera. I am always most sad when I see they are broken or damaged, often by age, the effects of years of exposure to the weather or, more frequently today, by vandals. I will share a few of my angels with you. I'd love to hear from you and your views on angels.

Cemetery Avenue

This avenue of trees stands in the centre of what used to be my local graveyard which dates from Victorian times. It leads uphill and around the bend, but to where I do not know. I can't remember reaching the end. Has anyone seen a similar avenue in their local cemetery or graveyard?

A Young Boy's Grave

An impromptu visit to Lancashire's Darwen Cemetery allowed me to make a visit to a young boy's grave. It's the third time I have visited it but this time the light conditions were just right for photography. The inscription states: 'Sweet memories of James, beloved son of John and Lily Ann Young. Died 13 November 1935 aged 5 years 11 months'. His father died in 1955 aged 57 and his mother died in 1969 aged 69.

Died of Wounds

Of all the gravestones in Sheffield (Norton) Cemetery, the example marking the grave of Private Arthur Hebblethwaite is probably the most impressive. The son of John and Lucy Hebblethwaite, he was married to Ada Beatrice Hebblethwaite of 2 Moor View, View Road, Heeley, Sheffield.

Arthur was serving with the York and Lancaster Regiment at the Battle of the Aisne in September 1914. He was badly wounded on 21 September and evacuated to England. He died of his wounds at Netley Military Hospital, Southampton on 29 October 1914 aged 30 years.

A photograph of Arthur can be viewed HERE and details of the hospital HERE.