Blackford Churchyard. Detail of gravestone.

Description Blackford Churchyard. Detail of gravestone.

Date 1984

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

Catalogue Number PT 14739/3

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 803304

Scope and Content Gravestone of 'J H ' and 'M C', Blackford Church and Churchyard, Blackford, Perth & Kinross This gravestone features a winged soul in its tympanum (top part). This symbolises the soul ascending to Heaven after death. The main panel is flanked by Ionic demi-columns and features a row of three ladies with short, looped hair and bell-shaped skirts. Because the stone is so weathered it is difficult to tell whether the square shapes between their arms are bodices or books. Bibles, held to signify piety, are often found on gravestone portraits. The skull at the bottom of the stone is a traditional emblem of mortality. Scottish gravestones feature a wealth of imagery and symbolic devices which represent trade emblems, symbols of death and resurrection, and Biblical scenes. They offer a fascinating insight into how our ancestors saw themselves and how they wanted to be remembered, as well as providing a store of information for people interested in family or local history, and folk art. This gravestone dates from 1731, and commemorates 'J H' and 'M C'. It is leant against a wall, so other inscriptions may survive on the back of the stone. The three portraits on the stone make it likely that it honours three sisters. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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