View of headstone. Kathrin Ramsay. 1738. Digital image of B 4292/5

Description View of headstone. Kathrin Ramsay. 1738. Digital image of B 4292/5

Date 1990

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

Catalogue Number SC 799454

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of B 4292/5

Scope and Content Gravestone of Katherin and Helen Ramsay, Tealing Parish Church and Churchyard, Angus This stone features a youthful winged soul (symbol of the spirit ascending to Heaven after death) in its tympanum (top part). The main panel is flanked by pilasters and initials, including two sets with tiny incised love hearts between them. The central panel features an eagle taken from the Ramsay heraldic achievements, with a border of leaves, flowers and 'green men', all emblems of rebirth. At the base of the stone is a ribbon incised 'Memento Mori' (remember you must die), and the tops of a row of death emblems (probably and hourglass and a skull). 'Green men' are ancient symbols of fertility and rebirth, and are occasionally to be found on gravestones. The image of the Green Man (usually a grotesque face sprouting leaves) probably originated from the tree and nature spirits worshipped by early peoples, but later became common decorations in medieval church architecture. This gravestone commemorates Katherin Ramsay, who died in 1738, and Helen Ramsay, who died 'in her 4th year'. It is inscribed: 'This stone was/Erected By David Ramsay/Tenant in Kirktoune of Tellone/and Euphan Liddeall his spouse in/Memorie of Katherin Ramsay their/Daughter who Departed this life the/21st of May 1738 Being in the 21 year/of her Age and Helen Ramsay/in her 4th year/In tome two Blotless, Spotless virgins lyes,/By Death's Victorious Law seized in Surprise,/When Parents hopes were att the highest throw,/Death then stept in and gave the fatal Blow'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/799454

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap