View of gravestone of John Piersone, 1763.

Description View of gravestone of John Piersone, 1763.

Date 1993

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

Catalogue Number B 42932/6

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 794930

Scope and Content Gravestone of John Pierson, Chapelton Burial Ground, Angus This gravestone features a recessed upper part bearing the date of 1763, and a carving of a winged soul. Below the inscription, and partly sunk into the ground is another panel with a border inscribed: 'MEMENTO MORI' (remember you must die) surrounding emblems of death. These include an hourglass (left), crossed bones (centre) and a curious skull with heart-shaped nose (right). The winged soul is a common motif on Scottish gravestones, and represents the spirit of the deceased ascending to wait until the Day of Judgement when the body was believed to rise to join it in Heaven. The hope of resurrection after death is further suggested on this memorial by the phrase 'here lies the mortal part of ...', which suggests the spirit of the deceased is no longer present. This gravestone commemorates John Pierson, who died in 1763. It is inscribed: 'Here lies interred the Mortal/part of Mr Iohn Pierson Lawful/Son to James Pierson of Balmadies/Who died on the 16th of Febuary MDLXIII/aged LXIV years/A Devout Worshipper of his Creator/and sincere Lover of all Mankind'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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