Detail of end panel of tablestone commemorating William McKandrew (died 1734) showing emblems of mortality and the inscription 'memento mori'.

Description Detail of end panel of tablestone commemorating William McKandrew (died 1734) showing emblems of mortality and the inscription 'memento mori'.

Date 1993

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

Catalogue Number C 23408/23

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 801659

Scope and Content Table tomb of William MckAndrew, Cathedral Graveyard, North College Street, Elgin, Moray This shows the end of the table tomb, with its heavy fluted baluster supports. Within the recessed panel are a number of death emblems, including a 'deid' (dead) bell, which was rung at funerals, coffin, bones and skull. A ribbon, inscribed 'Memento Mori' (remember you must die) is wrapped around the bones and over the skull to form a grisly 'banner'. 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 shows the end of a table tomb which commemorates William MckAndrew, who died in 1734. It is inscribed: 'THIS IS THE BURIAL PLACE OF/WILLIAM MCKANDREW YOUNGER GLOVER/BURGES IN ELGIN WHO DIED THE 9/OF FEBRUARY 1734'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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