Edinburgh Liberton Churchyard Detail of tombstone of James Baxter -1737 pedestal tomb

Description Edinburgh Liberton Churchyard Detail of tombstone of James Baxter -1737 pedestal tomb

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

Catalogue Number SC 565278

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of A 37012 PO

Scope and Content Detail of the pedestal tomb of James Baxter, Liberton Parish Churchyard, Kirkgate, Liberton, Edinburgh The old churchyard of Liberton Parish Church dates from the time of the old parish church which stood on the site until it was demolished in 1814. The churchyard, which surrounds the church on four sides, contains many interesting old headstones. This huge pedestal tomb of 'James Baxter Taylor in Gilmertoun', who died in 1737, has carvings of crude Corinthian pilasters, and a face with the features of a Green Man - a furrowed brow, screaming mouth, and greenery like grass on the cheeks. The Green Man, originating in the pagan leaf mask, was used by the Romans, and later as a popular carving in churches in the Middle Ages. It is found on 18th-century headstones in the Scottish Lowlands, and may be a symbol of life springing out of death. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/565278

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap