Gravestones / Tombstones !

[pb3]

I was interested to stumble across this particular thread while I was looking for something else. I spend quite a lot of time in our local graveyards in North-west Durham and one of the things I’ve found is that it’s necessary to try to avoid getting sidetracked when following a particular line of research. Sometimes the temptation is too strong to resist. George McClern’s memorial is a case in point. The inscription reads:-

Erected
by the Officers,
Marines & Blue-Jackets,
of H.M.S. Superb,
in Memory of
GEOR MCCLERN PATTISON
killed in action
at the bombardment
of Alexandria,
on July 11th 1882,
aged 27 years.
Buried at sea.
In the midst of life we are in death.

I would love to know what made a hard bunch like the Royal Navy in the nineteenth century go to all the trouble and expense of erecting such an impressive monument to one of their number who apparently had no decorations and whose rank was Gunner. They also located what appears to be a family plot in a corner of Blackhill north graveyard; not so easily done in those days of poor communications.

A friend of mine found a site on the internet with a report of the action.  George was apparently one of the few British fatalities. Unfortunately, his name is shown as George McClain.

In reply to the last post, I think it is the relatives of the deceased who are responsible for the upkeep of the fabric of memorials.

[GRACELAND]

sue 

[Selina]

What I would like to know is - after a gravestone has been placed on a grave who does it belong to many years down the line.  When more modern memorials are dangerous then it is the responsibility of immediate relations to have them repaired etc., but after a long period of time, churches feel quite justified in leaning them against walls or even using them as paving slabs etc., etc., sometimes because they are unstable or sometimes just to in order to  re-organisr the churchyard.   Can I claim those of my relations who have been so misused?

[suey]

Graceland - Is'nt she lovely!...
just imagine the hours it took some chap to carve and chisel such a wonderful figure.
It seems such a shame that there are some true works of art in our churchyards all unsigned and by unknown craftsmen.

[Su]

She's beautiful G, thank you.  Where did you find her?

love
Su xxx

[Chris in 1066Land]

Selina

Yes, you can

The monuments remain the property of the relatives and that passes on to the descendent's of same - but where do the church authorities get there names and addresses from to either move or to repair the stones if they do not tend the graves or visit the church.

If a member of the public is hurt by the stone falling over - it is the church or cemetery that they sue, not the descendents; so it is in the interest of the church etc to make sure they are safe (and it makes it easier to cut the grass if they move them to the outer wall)

So yes, claim them stones - we have done with some of my wifes ancestors stones buried in Ilkley & Otley, WR of Yorkshire.

Chris in 1066

[Selina]

Thank you very much Chris.  That is the first time anyone has answered this question for me.

[GRACELAND]

Sue This is The Angel On Elvis Mothers Grave !

[suey]

She is really sweet Graceland.
Did you make a note of the MI

Isn't it odd how most Angels are portrayed as female, when in fact they aught to be neither male or female?.