Detail of gravestone of Thomas Rattray dated 1773.

Description Detail of gravestone of Thomas Rattray dated 1773.

Date 1990

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

Catalogue Number B 4174/10

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 795291

Scope and Content Tablestone of Thomas Rattray, Andrew Rattray and Agnes Patullo, Kettins Churchyard, Kettins, Angus This shows the top of a tablestone featuring a heraldic shield surrounded by helmet and mantling (leaf-like drapery). The shield is carved with the tools of a gardener, spade, spools of string for marking out planting rows, rake and hoe. Panels at the side of the stone record the initials of the deceased. The sad story told in the inscription is particularly interesting for its detail. 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 tablestone commemorates Thomas Rattray, who died in 1772, and his parents Andrew Rattray and Agnes Patullo. It is inscribed: 'Here lyes Thomas Rattray also/his Father and Mother Andrew/Rattray & Agnes Patullo. Thomas/being a gardiner, went to England/where he served 52 years acquired/L 218 str.which he brought hither/in August last 1772. A few days/after he came, he sickened and died/aged 74. His money he legate to his/brother David and his children with/orders to erect this monument/Mors certa est, Incerta dies. Incertior hora/Consulat, ergo anima, qui sapit, usqua suae'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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