Detail of headstone.

Description Detail of headstone.

Date 1990

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

Catalogue Number B 4348/6

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 799435

Scope and Content Gravestone of Janet Mannie and Margaret, Elizabeth, John and Elizabeth Adam, St Vigeans Parish Church and Churchyard, St Vigeans, Angus This stone features a winged soul (symbol of the spirit ascending to Heaven after death) in its tympanum (curved top part), and a shield flanked by scrolls and initials in the top panel. The shield is carved with roses (symbols of rebirth) and the sock and coulter (metal parts) of a plough, the emblems of a farmer. A row of emblems of death are carved at the bottom of the stone. These are, from left to right: crossed bones, a skull and 'MEMENTO MORI' (remember you must die) panel, hourglass (emphasising the swiftness of life), scythe and dart (the weapons of Death) and a coffin. Both the Biblical text from the Book of Job, Chapter 19, and the rhyme on this stone refer to worms destroying the earthly body, whilst emphasising the belief that the dead person would be raised to eternal life. Our ancestors were not afraid to use graphic emblems of death and resurrection on their gravestones to remind those still alive to live virtuous lives and prepare for death and eternity. This gravestone commemorates Janet Mannie, who died in 1744, and her four children Margaret, Elizabeth, John and Elizabeth. It is inscribed on the east face: 'erected by George Adam in Cottoun/of East Seaton in memory of his wife/Janet Mannie who died 26th Jany. 1744/& sent before her four children: Margaret/Elizabeth, John & Elizabeth, five/surviving'. The west face is inscribed: 'FOR I KNOW THAT MY Redeemer LIVETH/AND THAT HE SHALL STAND AT HE/LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH AND THOU/GH AFTER MY SKIN WORMS DESTROY THIS BO/DY YET IN MY FLESH SHALL I SEE GOD JOB Chap XIX.../You passenger consider this/That you ere long with us must dwell/And make the worms your companie/until the trumpets set you free'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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