Gravestones / Tombstones !

[Chris in 1066Land]

Graceland

Having done considerable research in the churchyards of Lewes and having  gone through the account books of a Lewes Stonemason; I can bring you a few of the costs involed

December 10th 1842
The Exec of the late Mrs Hicks—Mr James Hicks, Wilders Farm,
Chiddingly:-
A Portland Stone Tomb with York Stone Curb to be erected in Chiddingly Churchyard complete @ £12/15/-d
Fixing the above:
Winhurst 3¼days & H Townsend 3¼days, (2 stonemasons)
Labour @ 5/-, (for digging the hole)
Lodgings @ 9/6d 
17 Iron Cramps,   
2½lbs Pitch,   
100 Best Bricks, (Lining the vault) 
800 Inferior Bricks, (Rest of Vault)
8lbs of Lead,   
12 Bushells of Sand,   
2 Bushells  of Cement.

Friday December 15th 1848
John W Burtenshaw -
Portland Stone Tomb as per drawing erected in Ditchling Burial Ground and to include fixing of same @ £27/0/0d
Engraving 117 letters at 1½d per letter = 14/7½d

In c.1800, the average price from May and Parsons of a typical Sussex head and footstone linked by a stone grave rail, usually made in three different qualities of Portland, cost about £4 to £5, and chest tombs of the simple sort were about £15.

Chris in 1066Land

[GRACELAND]

   Thanks Chris this was a lot of pennys then  ,
                  And to think some of my ancestors never even had a stone let alone WORDS ON IT .....


                                                             

[suey]

Chris - you never cease to amaze me.  I've often wondered how much some of those old tombs cost the rellies of the 'dear departed'.

I love the breakdown for wages and lodgings.  5/- for digging the hole ! not bad money for 1842.

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi there suey

Thanks for that compliment

I have the original drawings for both monuments - will try to attache them to this message below.

There were lots more details included, like the train fare for the stonemasons; some of the coffins also went by rail as well and were met at the station by a hearse to convey them to the churchyard.  Correspondence between the family and the stonemasons is often included in these archives - absolutely fascinating to read.

Chris in 1066Land

[suey]

Chris - I shall certainly be looking at those old stones and tombs through new eyes...

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Suey

If you care to visit

www.HastingsFamilyHistory.co.uk

You will find a page explaining the symbols on the 'old' stones

Chris in 1066Land

[Fitty]

Hi Chris

I've saved your page in my favs as i intend to do a bit of gravehunting soon and it'll be a good source of reference.  It's a very interesting site.

but........

What does IHS mean?

 

[MrsLizzy]

IHS is the sign that was put above Jesus' head on the cross by the Romans, signifying "King of the Jews".  The Jews at the time are said to have complained to Pilate, that it should have said that he SAID he was King of the Jews, not that he was.

[Chris in 1066Land]

Fitty

Now thats an interesting question that has lots of different answers, depending on who you ask!

Most people think or say that IHS stands for 'In His Service' or something along those lines.

Actually IHS is a Monogram formed by abbreviating the Greek word for Jesus. (its really the first three letters)

Hope that helps you

There are lots more Christain Symbols - if you get stuck with anything on a grave stone; let me know, will try to sort it out for you

Chris in 1066Land