Detail of headstone of Robert Ferrict dated 1772.

Description Detail of headstone of Robert Ferrict dated 1772.

Date 1772

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

Catalogue Number B 42935/19

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 799293

Scope and Content Gravestone of Robert Ferrier, Kinnell Parish Church, Angus This shows the top of the stone with its oval panel carved with the tools of the trade of a tailor. These are the 'tailor's goose' (an iron with curving handle like a goose's neck) and the scissors used for cutting out cloth. The border of the oval is decorated with flame-like motifs. 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 gravestone commemorates Robert Ferrier, who died in 1772. It is inscribed: 'Here lyes Robert Ferrier who/died 30th October 1772 aged 41/His wife Jean Donaldson, his/father William Ferrier, & his/brother John Ferrier in Old Cotton/was empowered by him to set this/stone up. Hark, from the tomb a doleful sound/My ears attend the cry:/Ye living man come view the ground/Where you must shortly ly'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/799292