View of gravestone of Isobell Webster, 1752.

Description View of gravestone of Isobell Webster, 1752.

Date c. 1990

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

Catalogue Number AN 5837/2

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 794846

Scope and Content Gravestone of Isobel Wobster and children, Brechin Cathedral Churchyard, Brechin, Angus This gravestone features a winged soul, or mask in its tympanum, with tulip-like flowers around the incised date of 1756. Two winged souls surmount a heraldic crest and helmet, with a shield carved with a crossed rake and spade (the tools of a gardener). Two double-ended torches flank the central crest, and palm fronds (representing victory over death) are carved in the top corners of the stone. The flaming torch represents the fire of life, and an extinguished torch symbolises death. The double-ended torch seen on many funerary monuments neatly combines both emblems, and can be interpreted as either the promise of life after death, or a reminder of the power of death. This gravestone commemorates Isobel Wobster, who died in 1752. It is inscribed: 'Hear Lies Isobel Wobster Dearli/Beloved Spouse to William Maule Gardiner at the castle of Brechine/Who running the Course of her Life by unfeigned Piety, Unshaken/Patience, singular Prudence, true Christian Charity/Worshipping god and Managing her lawfull affiars/Surrendered her Soul to God the 2 of/June 1752 Aged 66 years. She was Mother of 12 children, 4 of whom are here/interred'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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