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Stone Condition: Sound Material: Sandstone Height: 0.76 Breadth: 0.65 Depth: 0.15 Inscription Condition: Clear but worn Inscription Technique: Incised Mason: Not known Pre 1855 no. 75 ( What's this? )

Monument Inscription

W A . M G

1778

Family History

Twin stones occupying the monument space listed above are only one of several such pairings found in this section of the kirkyard.

The habit of creating duplicate stones appears to have been most common during the middle to end of the 18th Century. The reason for so doing is still open to speculation but the following explanation may satisfy the mystery surrounding this practice.

All such stones appear to be exact replicas of each other, with no variation apparent in any aspect, including dates and initials appended thereto. This would suggest that the intended occupants of such lairs prepared their places in advance of their demise. Because the stones are most often placed so close together that they may be said to form one memorial would indicate that this was intentional and marked out a double lair into which only those marked on the stone may be placed.

This advanced booking system or “pay before you go” was not uncommon even two hundred years ago.

These particular stones are very elaborately adorned with flower motifs which are unique in this kirkyard and would have caused the stone mason to exert his best skills. Once more the minimalist information contained on the inscription has prevented any identification of the individuals concerned.