View of gravestone in Old Blair, St Bride's Kirk, for George Augustus Frederick John Murray, 6th Duke of Athole, dated 1864.

Description View of gravestone in Old Blair, St Bride's Kirk, for George Augustus Frederick John Murray, 6th Duke of Athole, dated 1864.

Date 1986

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number SC 1568402

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of A 34423

Scope and Content Monument to the 6th Duke of Athole, St Bride's Kirk and Churchyard, Old Blair, Perth & Kinross This sculpture is laden with the complex symbolism of the 19th century. The mourning man is one of the duke's retainers, suggesting that the dead man inspired loyalty in his staff. He stands next to the trunk of a stricken oak tree, representing the life cut short by death. A vigorous offshoot still grows from the side of the old tree, suggesting that the duke's family continues to prosper. The ivy wreathing the tree is a symbol of marriage and friendship. The duke's plaid wrap, hat and sword beneath the tree suggest his noble and ancestral heritage, and further symbolise his absence. The coronet at the top of the stone is a symbol of his title, and also represents the Crown of Righteousness which awaits the godly in Heaven. This large white marble memorial stands within a locked burial aisle in the churchyard. It is inscribed: 'THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HATH TAKEN AWAY/BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD/THANKS BE TO GOD WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY/THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST/SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF/GEORGE AUGUSTUS FREDERICK JOHN MURRAY 6TH DUKE OF ATHOLE K.T/WHO DIED AT BLAIR CASTLE 16TH JAN 1864 AGED 49/AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THE VAULT BENEATH/THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY HIS WIDOW'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/1568402

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap