Here Lies
the body of
Moses Miler
Who died Oct 26 1735
Aged 41 Years
All you that come my grave to see
As I am now so must you be
The skull and crossbones design seems to be a reference to the belief of the Knights Templar that if the skull and at least two large bones remained then the body would be resurrected at the Day of Judgement. The winged hourglass is presumably a reminder of mortality.
Underneath the crossed long bones and ribs are a crossed scythe and arrow, symbolically bringers of death. And to either side are a spade and pick, symbolic of grave digging.
This stone is easy to find in the pleasant churchyard at Scraptoft, just outside Leicester. It stands alongside a line of other 18th Century stones next to the path that runs between the road and the church itself.
Bones and skulls are very popular on Austrian grave markers too. I've often wondered why. Love the winged hourglass :-)
ReplyDeleteNext time you are over there and happen to see one, please do take a photo. I'd love to see.
ReplyDelete