View of headstone of Archibald Forrest, 1713.

Description View of headstone of Archibald Forrest, 1713.

Date 1991

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

Catalogue Number B 4301/2

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 800912

Scope and Content Gravestone commemorating Archibald Forrest, St Luke's Church, Carluke, South Lanarkshire The large winged figure occupying the upper half of this stone symbolises Archibald Forrest's soul ascending to Heaven after his death, graphically depicted by the swag with four protruding bones. Although this may simply be a decorative way of displaying the bones, it is possible that the cloth is symbolic in itself, representing the veil of death which divides the mortal and decaying body from its immortal soul. Although the winged soul is now badly weathered, it was probably a fine piece of workmanship when completed, and details such as the soul's long, flowing hair and the feathering of the wings are still visible. At least two examples of this particular mason's work can be found in St Luke's Churchyard, each featuring a swag with protruding bones carved in the same style. This gravestone commemorates Archibald Forrest, a tenant farmer, who died in 1743 aged 41. The inscription reads: 'HERE LYES/ARCHIBALD FORREST/WHO LIVED IN LONG/SHAU AND DIED JUNE/1743 AGED 71 YEARS'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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