View of gravestone of Thomas Cannon, 1762.

Description View of gravestone of Thomas Cannon, 1762.

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

Catalogue Number KB 1328/3

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 803640

Scope and Content Detail of a gravestone commemorating Jean Sloan, Kells Churchyard, Dumfries & Galloway Filling the upper part of the memorial, this winged figure represents the soul of Jean Sloan ascending to Heaven and is surrounded by long leafy tendrils with flowers. The style of carving, particularly the winged soul's features, are similar to those found on memorials in the same region at Borgue, Kirkandrews and Anwoth, possibly being the work of the same mason. While plants and flowers were used as decoration, these may have been used to express a range of ideas about death, mortality and the afterlife. Flowers could symbolise the shortness of life, blooming and then withering away, or be associated with mourning. Alternatively, plants might symbolise regeneration, returning to life after appearing dead throughout winter and could be interpreted as an allegory for the Resurrection or the soul's ascent to Heaven, where life was believed to continue after death. This gravestone commemorates Jean Sloan, who died in 1763. The inscription reads: 'This stone is/Erected by Thomas Cannon in/memory of Jean Sloan his/spouse who died Novr 20th/1763 [...]'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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