Ann Grimshaw, 11th September 2024.
One of Ann’s many interests is a group visiting different graveyards in Suffolk and transcribing the memorials for posterity. The group doesn’t clean or renovate the gravestones, but they record the inscriptions they find. In some cases this is difficult to do as the stones have become weathered or covered in plant growth or soil.
The group has several methods to make the inscriptions more visible. After brushing off any leaves, they spray with shaving foam and rub in. If necessary, they can add some soil to make the lettering more distinct by contrasting the letters with the background.
Although the online burial index records the location and name on the graves it doesn’t record the inscription which often give insights into the lives of the people the stone commemorates.
Gravestones became more popular with the wealthy in the 1600s and wording, engraving and design are often indicators of age and fashion. Skulls were popular on older gravestones to show we are all mortal, whereas the curved headstone became popular in the 20th century. All Commonwealth graves are the same shape and style.
Some of the graveyards Ann’s group have finished transcribing are Newton Green, Groton, Sudbury cemetery, Alpheton, Cornard, St Peter’s and St Gregory’s. I was particularly intrigued by the grave inscription of John Shepherd, who was wounded in the head at the Battle of Boulogne and died from his injuries 10 years later. The gravestone was commissioned by his widow. This simple inscription hides a depth of human emotion. Lastly Ann mentioned the style we are seeing in recent gravestones, which include coloured writing and inscriptions.
Sally Card