View of gravestone.

Description View of gravestone.

Date 1991

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

Catalogue Number B 4393/20

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 801050

Scope and Content Gravestone commemorating William Lawson and Margaret Semple, Lesmahagow Parish Church, Church Square, Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire Here, the working tools of a mason's trade, the compasses and set square, hang on a ribbon while a heart can be seen above. The heart is an instantly recognisable symbol of love, though in this case it was probably used to represent the idea of divine love, showing William's love of God. Post-Reformation gravestones like this are an important part of the nation's heritage, documenting the lives of ordinary Scots who would otherwise leave little record of their existence. Through the decorative carvings and inscriptions it is possible to learn more about the lives of these people, what they did for a living and the tools they used in their jobs. This gravestone commemorates William Lawson, a mason, who died in 1770 aged 27. Also buried here is Margaret Semple, who died in 1823 at the age of 70. The inscription reads: 'Here Lyes/WILLIAM LAWSON/mason in Monkstable/who died June the 16th/1770 aged 27 years/Also Margaret Semple/spouse of Gavin Lawson/who died March 1823 aged 72 years'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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