View of gravestone of Agnes Herese, 1707.

Description View of gravestone of Agnes Herese, 1707.

Date 1986

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

Catalogue Number A 34980 PO

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 803750

Scope and Content Gravestone commemorating Agnes Herese and children, Kells Churchyard, Dumfries & Galloway Beneath the fruit-laden tree are the figures of Adam (left) and Eve (right), each wearing a band of leaves around their hips. Coiled around the bough is the serpent, its head close to Eve's hand. Above Eve's head is a skull, a symbol of death, while an hourglass can be seen above the head of Adam. These emblems could signify their loss of immortality as a result of their disobedience, while symbolising the death of those interred here. Perched at the top of the tree is a dove, symbolising peace and innocence, a fitting emblem for a child's memorial. Depictions of Adam and Eve appear to have been far more popular in Scotland than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. As with most gravestone emblems and designs, these were not limited to commemorative art. For example, Adam and Eve scenes are found in school books, religious works and even everyday objects, such as crockery and furniture. The scene carries a variety of meanings. One reading may be to see this as a stern reminder of original sin and the need to guard against temptation at all times, a message in keeping with the strict religious teachings of 18th-century Scotland. Another interpretation is that the scene was intended to offer solace to those wondering why their children had died by reminding us that death, hardship and pain were not in God's design for this world: such things came to pass through man's disobedience. This gravestone commemorates Agnes Herese, wife of a burgess of New Galloway, who died in 1701. Nine children of Robert Corson's children are also buried here. The inscription reads: 'HERE LYS THE CORPS OF AGNES HERESE SPOVS TO/ROBERT CORSON ALSO MARY AGNES MARION MARGARET/AT ONE BIRTH ROBERT ANDREW JAMES AT ONE BIRTH/JOHN & ALEXANDER CORSONS CHILDREN/TO ROBERT CORSON BVRGES IN NEWTOVN OF/GALLOWAY & AGNES MCBURNY HIS SPOVSE'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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