Back to Newsletters Main Page where full pdf versions are available
THE MORAY BURIAL GROUND RESEARCH GROUP (Image - Group Logo)
Newsletter - Issue 19 - - - December 2012 (Currently published twice a year)
Editor's Note
Welcome to a bumper edition of the newsletter, a fitting way to round off the
year and prepare for our tenth anniversary.
This month we have the details of the anniversary party held at the Laichmoray
Hotel, some very unusual stones found throughout the year and a general round up
of the groups activities and where we stand for the coming years.
Anyway, enjoy the issue and have a great Christmas and New Year.
Derek
In Preparation for our 10th Anniversary
(Image - Anniversary mugs)
Although it is still some four months until MBGRG in reality celebrates its
tenth anniversary, the Committee decided that we would turn our end of season
‘party’ into a commemoration of the inception of the group way back in 2003. It
was also agreed to make commemorative mugs so that full members would have
something to remember the occasion in years to come.
Various initial designs and component parts were roughly laid out, then ‘dumped’
on Catherine Sinclair, late of VAM, who very expertly put together the two
brilliant designs you see illustrated. So many thanks Catherine for your
efforts, which are greatly appreciated.
If you have not already received your mug, (gents or ladies), please arrange to
collect them from Helen at your earliest convenience. Associate Members please
note:- If you would like one of these anniversary mugs, you may buy them at cost
price, plus post & packing where necessary. The current cost prices are £7.00
for the larger gent’s mug with design on both sides, while the ladies porcelain
one is £9.00, but please be aware that these prices may fluctuate over time.
The 10th Anniversary Party
On 19th October, MBGRG members and friends gathered in the comfortable
surroundings of the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin to share an enjoyable evening
together, celebrating the end of season activities and also the forthcoming 10th
anniversary of the group’s founding. After Keith’s initial welcome and a toast
to absent friends, everyone was served a delicious two course meal, which as far
as comments go, was enjoyed by all. Afterwards we had the cutting of the large
green and white cake, so magnificently decorated in his own inimitable fashion
by Stephen Leitch.
(Image - MBGRG Members Celebrating at the Laichmoray Hotel)
The 10th Anniversary Cake with Appropriate Inscriptions
(Image - Anniversary cake)
Although the main part was made by a local bakery in Bishopmill, Stephen as
usual let his own particular brand of creativity and imagination run riot. As
can be seen from the photograph the simulated tombstones mostly had inscriptions
taken from some of the comments regularly made on site that are now part of
group folk-lore. Items such as “where is my camera?,” (actually on the cake!) or
“could this be Pictish?” frequently raise a titter or two on site. However,
oddities such as the “Edinburgh Banker” might leave a few folk mystified, but as
some members will understand - that’s assuredly another story.
(Images - Stephen and his magnificent cake and Sandy cutting the cake)
Ruth wins the star Prize
(Image - Ruth collecting her prize)
The honour of cutting the cake was given to our most ‘senior’ member, Sandy
McAdam, who is one of our earliest members, and still takes part in uncovering
Buried Tombstones. The evening concluded with a Prize-Draw, and thanks must go
to all who donated the prizes. To see who won the 1st prize, take a look at the
photograph above. Many thank are also due to Ruth’s husband, Tosh who took all
the photographs.
The Michael Kirk at Gordonstoun
(by Keith Mitchell, Chairman)
About a year ago, I emailed our long distance member Sue Rennison, who lives on
Vancouver Island, that she might like to clean some of the historically
interesting flat tombstones at the Michael Kirk, Gordonstoun. Sue, as many of
our members know, has a passion for working with wooden skewers and plastic
scrapers to remove various forms of detritus from memorials long obscured by
various forms of vegetation, certain types of lichen excepted. Her own
particular brand of ‘heaven’ appears to be sites such as Birnie, where she
served her ‘apprenticeship,’ and St Peter’s, Duffus, where she ‘graduated with
distinction’ in this rather unusual form of entertainment. Sue accepted the
invitation with some degree of excitement.
(Images - Michael Kirk and Sue at work)
The majority of memorials were previously recorded in Edward Lightowler’s
excellent book on the subject, published in 1980, later republished in 2004, and
was also separately recorded by A&NESFHS.* However, no comprehensive
photographic record of the memorials is known to have been made, and I thought
it would be a good idea to blend the two projects together, so initial
preparation work began in earnest
Before any work could begin, we of course had to obtain the proper permissions
from the powers that be in Gordonstoun, as the churchyard now comes under the
full control of the school. I therefore communicated with Hugh Brown, Financial
Director, who apart from enthusiastically supporting the project, has been
extremely helpful in organizing access to the site.
And so it was that Sue arrived at Inverness Airport on 10th September for her
two weeks motivating stint of groveling in the wet grime and turf in an attempt
to bring the tombstones back to some degree of legibility. By the time she had
completed her last day there, Sue had cleaned well in excess of 30 tombstones, a
feat of considerable endurance, considering the overall inclemency of the
weather.
One tombstone cleaned to perfection by Sue was one dated 1679.
(Image - of symbols on stone)
Sadly we do not know who the stone relates to as the text is only made up of
initials, in this case IS EF IF IS 1679 then GM 1748, showing that the grave had
probably been used by at least two generations. Lightowler states that there are
also “symbols of the mason’s trade, a hammer and a pair of dividers.” Clearly
the tools shown in the adjoining photograph indicate that they may well have
been part of a mason’s tool kit, but could equally be interpreted as having
something to do with the trade of a blacksmith, or some such other skilled work
that made use of a hammer. If the other tool is in fact a pair of dividers, then
it must have been for a very particular use, so far unidentified. I would
therefore suggest that some other trade may be indicated here – but what?
Whatever the nature of the trade, it would be very interesting to know, just
what this particular tool was used for. Any suggestions!
(Image - The sun comes out as Sue completes her visit to the Michael Kirk)
Although quite a few stones were left to be cleaned by other members of the
group, Sue must be warmly congratulated for her admirable work at the Michael
Kirk. She certainly made a huge dent in this project, as yet still to be
completed.
* Aberdeen & North East Scotland Family History Society
Stamp Night
(Image - Seems someone has told a Joke)
The last two stamp nights ‘chez the Mitchells’ have created quite a heap of
paper for the recycling centre. Seriously, many thanks to everyone who has
contributed all there off-cuts, old postcards, stamp albums and stamped
envelopes – some even having been sent in from places like Canada. Your thoughts
and efforts are much appreciated! Now the only problem is to get all this stuff
to the stamp shop in Edinburgh ready for auction. The last twice we have been
down that way, we just did not have time to visit the shop. However, one way or
another we will ensure it is delivered within the next couple of months – but
please keep your stamps, etc. rolling in – it all builds up.
Moray’s Narrowest Tombstone?
(by Keith Mitchell, Chairman)
(Image - the very narrow tombstone)
For those of you that have not read the October issue of the Knock News, or
heard through the grapevine, the following fascinating discovery may grab your
attention! On Sunday 16th September, while cleaning and recording tombstone
inscriptions at the historic churchyard of Mortlach in Dufftown, MBGRG members
uncovered a very unusual buried memorial. As can be seen from the accompanying
photograph this stone is extremely narrow. Its overall dimensions are only 8 ? x
51½ ? (approx. 20cms x 130cms).
Out of all the many thousands of tombstones our group has recorded, it is
certainly the thinnest, (width wise), we have come across. We very quickly
pondered over the possibility that this might prove to be the narrowest
grave-slab in Moray, or indeed further afield. Thoughts even sprang to mind
about the validity of checking out the Guinness Book of Records!
The full inscription reads : Here Lis the body of William Kelman Farmer In
Lessmurdie Who died Aprile 26 1793 Aged 80 & Helen McBarnat his Spouse who died
1st Decr 1785 aged 75. It is also interesting to note that a closer
examination of the inscription showed that letters from an older inscription
were clearly evident.
The discovery of this small and very plain, yet peculiar tombstone, begs a
number of questions as to why William and Helen Kelman should have such a small
memorial to record their earthly existence. Were they trying to prove something,
or is the reason much simpler than that? Various theories so far have been
advanced, but in all probability we will never know the real reason. At one
time, certainly in the later 19th century this memorial was visible as it is
featured in Andrew Jervise’s book on epitaphs, published in 1879.
If anyone knows of a narrower tombstone, please let us know the details for the
purposes of comparison and future reference.
Dyke Parish Church MIs
Since work began recording MIs at Dyke back in 2010, a lot has happened as a
result of group activities. Knockando, Aberlour and old Rathven churchyards have
been more or less completed, final checks aside. While latterly the group has
been involved in recording memorials at Cullen, Elgin East and Mortlach in
Dufftown, so as readers will observe, there is still a fair amount in the queue
waiting to be published.
(Images - Group at work at Dyke, and Calvary Cross stone)
After a considerable effort relating to final checks, Dyke at the time of
writing is at the printers in Oxford, and all going well should be available by
the end of November, or beginning of December, just in time for Christmas
stockings maybe.*
The adjacent photograph, which is enhanced, is a Calvary Cross grave-slab that
for many years has stood upright in an old doorway at the north end of the
original church building. This stone used to be in the burial vault below, and
the inscription is dedicated in old Gothic script to Ricardus Broth(/u?/y?)
(Richard Brothie or Brodie) and his wife. It has been variously dated by
previous antiquarians as 1446 and 1488. Neither date appears to be correct.
* For further details please see last page page.
Unfortunately the majority of the old Brodie family records were probably
destroyed in the 17th century, and our research to date has failed to bring to
light any alternative corroboration with which to back up the exact year in
which Richard died.
At first glance the date in Roman Numerals appears to read 1448, but careful
analysis of each letter appears to show that the mason may have made a mistake
in his carving of the numbers that make up the third figure of the year.
Special thanks go to Sandra and Ian Maclennan of Dyke Parish Church, for all the
kind help, co-operation and advice they gave us while MBGRG conducted its
research into the history of the site, both inside the church and outside in the
churchyard.
Doors Open Day
(Image - Volunteers - Derek, Stephen Ruth & Penny at St Peter’s, Duffus)
On Saturday 8th September, MBGRG took part in this national event, opening up
both the Michael Kirk at Gordonstoun, as well as St Peter’s Duffus. Many thanks
are due to everyone who helped out. Although visitor numbers were quite small by
comparison with larger places, such as Elgin Museum, the fact that between the
two churchyards we had in excess of 80 visitors indicates the importance of
highlighting these historical sites as much as possible.
A Cullen Old Kirk Enigma
(By Keith Mitchell – Chairman)
At the beginning of August we made a concentrated effort to record all the
memorials inside Cullen Old Kirk, a task made more difficult by the sheer scale
of some of the Seafield memorials. Of obvious interest to our team members were
the two highly unusual monuments reputedly named for John Duf(f) of Maldavit and
Baldavi who supposedly died in 1404. One of these includes a recumbent effigy,
while the other is a very large grave-slab with the carving of a man dressed in
highly unusual armour. At first glance the inscriptions on both appear entirely
unambiguous, but a little historical and artistic research quickly reveals that
there is something seriously amiss here, particularly with the readable text on
the grave-slab, as well as raising a complex discussion on the authenticity of
the visible carving of the man who purports to be John Duff. The doubts raised
about who these memorials were originally made for, is possibly a little bit on
the sad side, for our very own Field Co-ordinator, Helen, as available
documentary evidence appears to show that John Duff could have been her very own
16th (or thereabouts) great grandfather. Wouldn’t it be really great if we could
genuinely prove the man in armour was one of Helen’s ancestors!
In an attempt to highlight the worn carving on the grave-slab, two expert MBGRG
members, Gordon Black and Derek Page, delicately and very carefully, dusted the
relevant parts with a thin coating of domestic flour, the most effective results
of which helped to draw the attention of the local Press and the Knock News a
few days later. On this occasion, the church was a scene of intense activity
that included our volunteers, ladies organizing the Flower Festival, gentlemen
of the Press along with other church members. MBGRG Honorary President, Charles
J. Burnett, Ross Herald Extraordinary, then presented a framed photograph of the
floured image of “John Duff”‘ to church elders, Bill Davidson & Brenda Wood.
(Image - Bill Davidson, Brenda Wood & Charles Burnett)
Since then, I have been collecting as much evidence as possible, both of an
antiquarian nature and modern opinion as to the nature of the carvings,
particularly that of the large grave slab. So far the evidence compiled is
extraordinarily conflicting. For example, the armoured figure has variously been
described in 1976, by a respected and authoritative source, as having been
carved by the “local idiot,” while a very recent expert observation is that the
creator was someone who was an “academically trained artist. Of crucial import
is a copy black and white photograph of this grave-slab I was recently given,
showing it standing outside the kirk probably, about the time of its return from
Duff House Mausoleum. Close examination of this interesting photograph has
already revealed some startling evidence that demands further investigation.”
The plot thickens, or as Sherlock Holmes would say “the games afoot.”
A few weeks ago, Rachel Kennedy, Manager of Duff House, Banff very kindly
arranged for Helen and me to visit Duff House Mausoleum to survey the Duff
family memorials. The main purpose of the visit, however, was to try and
discover where the two Cullen kirk tombstones had been sited between 1792 and
1966. From what we could see, the impression was formed that they were situated
within and in front of the alcove where Rachel Kennedy and Helen are standing in
the following photograph. More on this later!
(Image - Rachel Kennedy & Helen Mitchell in Duff House Mausoleum)
Field Co-ordinator’s Report.
(By Helen Mitchell)
Another year of outside work ends. Despite the inclement weather we have
achieved quite a lot over the past four months.
Mortlach : Since June we have had three visits and considering the size of the
churchyard we have completed more than half of the inscriptions, when we started
earlier this year.
Cullen : There have been three visits to clean and transcribe inscriptions.
There are no buried stones so far, which appears odd as one would expect some,
with an old churchyard. Perhaps the churchyard has previously been well
maintained.
Elgin (East) : We have been held back due to the lack of sunny days over the
winter months. We are halfway through the MIs.
Kirkmichael : I had hoped to complete the churchyard this year, but weather put
paid to that idea. There are a number of buried stones, but many are blank. The
last day we were there we uncovered 15 stones, but only four required to be
drawn. Hopefully a blitz on one or at most two days next year should see the
churchyard completed.
Aberlour St Margaret’s : MIs completed both inside and out.
Michael Kirk at Gordonstoun : Sue worked hard at cleaning (see Keith’s report)
and a number of members continued her work. One more day should see all the
stones cleaned and recorded.
Knockando : This is completed and the next stage requires double checking in
preparation for publication next year.
Rathven : There are a few checks still to do there.
Aberlour : This churchyard and extension also still requires final checks.
A letter from Vancouver
(by Sue Rennison – Member)
It has once again been my privilege to be involved with the ongoing escapades of
this weird and wonderful group. Very obviously, great effort was made for access
to the Gordonstoun Michael Kirk. What a place!
Please remember that the historical architecture and graveyards that you are
amidst, are substantially aged, compared to the few offerings in the
comparatively young country of Canada.
My hosts were incredibly generous in their hospitality. Spending time at the
Kirk, I came back to supper and a warm home where I could relax and catch up on
a history lesson.
The revelation of historical details was as thrilling as ever. On a personal
level, solitary work on the stones gave me time to clear the old grey cells. Not
only did the breeze, wind or gale, blow out the cobwebs, but also time was
granted for re-visiting memories of a very happy time in this area a few years
ago. Future plans will hopefully give me the chance to return again. (I've
already reserved my room!)
Maybe by then, there will only be a return to tidy up work that has already been
completed by the valiant few. Note; I use the word few. What a shame that the
group remains so small, those who give their time and effort, the work taking
months to complete.
Having been privy to the background work that takes hours and hours of dedicated
slog, I often went to sleep with voices of cross referencing and computer
tapping. It always astounds me that the group make so much effort to so
accurately document the details.
Once again I must thank you all for making me so welcome and I wish you every
success in your future endeavors.
Sue R
Female Convicts Research Centre
(From Ruth McIntosh - Group Secretary)
Below is a copy of an email received from Colette McAlpine, maybe some of you
would like to help her.
I am a volunteer with the Female Convicts Research Centre
www.femaleconvicts.org.au and I volunteer with Founders and Survivors
www.foundersandsurvivors.org. We are currently trying to connect the female
convicts who were transported to Van Diemen's Land with their birth and marriage
families in the UK and their descendants in Australia. We are searching for gaol
and trial records and newspaper stories about our women. I am keen to engage
volunteers in the UK who may be interested in researching the lives of some of
our convict women who were from their counties. The records that your members
have access to in the UK are beyond our capacity. We are currently transcribing
all the records we can access in Australia into a database, bringing together
the woman, her family and all records pertaining to her. Family historians and
academics will use this to help them better understand the female experience of
the convict system. Membership of our website is free and once a person joins
www.femaleconvicts.org.au they have free access to our database. All our work is
done by volunteers. I would encourage you to mention this to your members and
perhaps advertise the opportunity in your newsletter. If someone is interested,
then I will send over a list of women from your county, along with her trial
date, age, known family and stated native place. Colette McAlpine Volunteer
Female Convicts Research Centre Tasmania. Colette.mcalpine@gmail.com .
Cemetery of Valle San Floriano (near Marostica, Italy)
Finally, a few pictures from Bruce's visit to Italy
(Images - the photos from above Cemetery
STOP PRESS - Dyke Church & Churchyard : MBGRG’s latest book on the MIs
from this burial ground is now available. It covers some 318 visible stones and
1570 named individuals. There are 16 colour photographs, 13 illustrations, 3 pages of
plans of the churchyard, surname index, 4 pages of introduction and history, as
well as the War Memorial.
Copies of this book can be obtained by contacting Helen or Keith Mitchell on
01343 546620, or from the MBGRG website at www.mbgrg.org. The cost is £7.50
excluding postage.
Editor : Derek C Page, 7 Monaughty Cottages, Alves, Forres, Moray IV36 2RA
Tel: 01343-850572 & E-mail address: editor@mbgrg.org