Bring out the writing on this??

[ottobottle]

I don't have the software with me right now as I'm at work but I'd suggest converting this image to black and white and experimenting with the contrast and saturation. I've done this before with gravestones and it can reveal more of the lettering. It works best when the light falling on the stone at the time the original photo was taken is from one side so that the shadows are there.

[stileslisa9]

Hi
Many thanks for the help! Will visit the headstone and try washing it gently. I may even go down the 'pre-technology' route and take a few rubbings from it as well. Thanks for trying, Ive got a little more to go on now I have a rough date!
Many thanks!!!!

 

[Jamjar]

Here are two black and white copies.

I think I see 1545. 

Jamjar

[ottobottle]

Across the top I think the word is "ERECTED", so we have "Erected to the memory of Eliz. Bowden". After that it could be "17th" or "7th" of a month (maybe October, there is a round shape but it could be a zero). Beyond that I can make out nothing except for what might half of an "8" which appears in line with the "z" of Eliz and midway between that and the base of the stone. I think the rest is so worn it'll be hard to do like this - the brass rubbing will be your best bet. Good luck!

[matt94]

After adjusting the exposure I think it says

ERECTED
to
the memory of
ELIZ. BOWDEN
1786?



I can see 1786

What county was this in?

Matt

[borntobounce]

What has helped me in the past is taking a sheet of paper and chalk or a piece of charcoal or even a wide lead pencil and gently rubbing the chalk over the paper ... the letters will not be filled in ... do not press too hard or you will fill in where the letters are because they are not deep anymore.  It's worth a try anyway.

Shelly

[sanqhar]

Take some more photos as per the advice at:

PHOTOGRAPHING GRAVESTONES - Advice from our experts!!

In particular using flash at a 45 degree angle, or take along a powerful torch and shine it at the lettering from the side.

Early morning sun may also help.

tom

[Viktoria]

I think it says ERECTED
                          By
                 The Family Of
                 Eliza  Bowden----
the next line is a date  ,but unfortunately I can`t make it out ,but that is what you wanted ,so sorry I  can`t see it better. Best of luck. Viktoria.
P.S have you tried a rubbing?  holding a sheet of paper over the stone and rubbing over it with a thick black crayon or better still "cobbler`s heelball " black wax  for waxing  the strong thread  for hand stitched soles to you and me.You can get it in shops attached to Cathedrals for people who do rubbings  of the brass plaques marking graves in the Cathedral, of knights etc.