The Diary of Nathaniel Bryceson (Part 6)

[Colin Cruddace]

Deb,
It looks to me like italics and is DESI, as part of an inserted prayer.

Steven,
May I also extend my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time, and thank you for taking the time to let us know.

Regards,
Colin

Added - with and AND below it

[drykid]

I'm a bit depressed about the state of that headstone; I'd hoped from the original photo that thing's weren't quite as bad as they looked, but seeing it close up it's quite shocking how completely it's been obliterated.  Amazing what nature can do to a lump of stone in a (relatively) short space of time. I do agree that it looks like an italicised "Desi."

Stupid question, but was the floor mat lifted when looking for Nat's carving at Greenford?  Looking at the photo it seems to hide quite a few of the red floor tiles, and presumably wouldn't have been there in 1846.

[Steven Bryceson]

I am pretty sure it is DIS.., poss DISE.. or DISP...

Yes, I did look under the mat and at every red tile. My trousers got quite dirty!

Peace,

Steven.

[Ruskie]

Of course it's very possible that the tiles have been replaced. Maybe it would be worth asking a "friends of ..." group if they know if and when this was done? The tiles do look authentic but with a listed church any alterations would have been done sympathetically, so it is difficult to know if they are the same tiles Nathaniel knew.

I'm a bit sad about the poor state of the headstone - and am having trouble seeing much there at all. 

Good to have you on board Heather! 

[Steven Bryceson]

Dear Ruskie et al, My impression is that the tiles are original. Have I mentioned that I am church furnishings officer for my Diocese? In any case, I have contacted the vicar and hope to learn more from local sources. Peace, Steven.

[Ruskie]

Dear Ruskie et al, My impression is that the tiles are original. Have I mentioned that I am church furnishings officer for my Diocese? In any case, I have contacted the vicar and hope to learn more from local sources. Peace, Steven.

No you haven't mentioned that. Sounds interesting. 

I hope the vicar gets back to you with more information. Whether it survives might of course depend on where Nathaniel scratched his initials, but if in an area which gets traffic, it could have worn smooth by now - possibly even through repeated cleaning?

I somehow think Nathaniel would have etched his initials in an out of the way place. 

[drykid]

I do agree that it looks like an italicised "Desi."

Just to clarify this, what I meant to say was that it looked like it began with an italicised 'D'; the other letters I gave were from memory without referring back to the photo. I don't disagree with Steven that the first three characters could well be "Dis".

RE: today's entry, Nat is very disapproving of insensitive architectural changes.  I dread to think what his opinion would be of what they've done to Richmond Buildings since his time; it's perhaps as well that he isn't around to see it.

[Siamese Girl]

It's very hard to remember sometimes that Nat is only 20 - not liking the change from oil to gas light ?

In 5 years there will be the Great Exhibition of 1851, the celebration of all things new and wonderful in the Victorian age. I wonder if Nat visits it? I can just imagine him wandering around it, snorting and saying 'well - what's the point of THAT?!' 

Margaret Nicholson's half hearted attempt to assassinate George III is still quite well known http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Nicholson


Carole

[Ruskie]

Oh no - I think I'm going mad ... I posted earlier about today's diary entry but I must have exited before I pressed "Post". Darn!

I will try to sort myself out and post later (bit busy tonight ...  )