THE MORAY BURIAL GROUND
RESEARCH GROUP
Inauguration Issue Newsletter July 2003
________________________________________________
Earlier this year, Dr. Susan Buckham (Carved Stones Adviser Project with The Council for Scottish Archaeology)
suggested that our recently formed group should consider producing a "Newsletter" that might be included in
proposed new website, covering all aspects relating to conservation and research of cemeteries and graveyards, at
present being undertaken in Scotland.
To that end, and for the purpose of keeping our small but increasing band of volunteers fully informed as to current progress, the Management Committee have agreed to this trial publication.
Every aspect concerning a group "Newsletter" is up for discussion by members, but it is only with your interest
and support that it will be able to function adequately in the future, should it indeed continue. Please therefore let
us know your thoughts about the idea of such a newsletter. Would you like to be "Editor"? Could you contribute items of interest?
We would be delighted to hear your ideas!
Keith L. Mitchell (Chairman)
THE AIMS OF THE MORAY BURIAL GROUND RESEARCH GROUP
(Bruce Bishop : Research & Results Co-ordinator)
A brief summary of the purpose of the Research Group is as follows. The aim is to provide an in-depth study of all burial grounds and memorials in Morayshire, this work being divided into several sectors, each of these bringing their own benefits and problems to the
researchers. The research is being conducted in conjunction with The Council for Scottish
Archaeology, Carved Stones Adviser Project (Dr Susan Buckham), and is sponsored by
Historic Scotland and also by the Scottish Association of Family History Societies. This
work is intended to be of benefit to genealogists, family historians, local and social
historians, archaeologists, those involved in the conservation of burial grounds, and those
in many other disciplines.
The first phase of the work is to extend the Inventory of burial sites, and of all locations of
monumental inscriptions in the area, which was begun on an ad hoc basis in 1998, but
which is now defined by the methodology compiled in 2002. This inventory includes known
cemeteries and burial grounds, whether or not these are associated with a place of
worship, and also private burial grounds. Also included is research into the history and
location of possible early burial sites now no longer in existence. Memorial tablets within
churches are also included in this wide-ranging inventory, as although these may have
initially only duplicated the information on the tombstones, many of these which are now
so worn or damaged, or have in fact disappeared, that the memorial within the church may
be the only remaining record, and as such is worthy of inclusion.
The second phase of the project is to complete a History of the Site, including
bibliographic and possible archaeological information. This requires work in many
archives, from Morayshire to Edinburgh, and in some cases even further afield.
Phase three is to construct a Site Plan of each burial ground or church on which to identify
the location of all tombstones, memorial tablets, etc. Some plans are already in existence,
but many of these need updating or revising.
The fourth phase is in two sections, which may or may not be undertaken simultaneously.
The first section, which has been ongoing since 1999, makes use of the already prepared
site plan to make a careful, complete and accurate record of all Monumental Inscriptions
on the site. Although many of these have been done previously, most are in a very
abbreviated form, and provide an incomplete record as to the style of text, etc. The second
section is to locate and record all Buried Tombstones, using a very specific methodology
authorised by The Council for Scottish Archaeology and Historic Scotland. These stones
are deturfed, recorded both by drawing and photography, and then returfed.
The final phase is the Publication of Results. The monumental inscriptions are published
by the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society, as part of their ongoing
series. The Morayshire books in this series will also contain a brief history of the burial
ground. The research into the buried stones will be published privately, as a booklet to be
of use to family historians, and also in an academic form to cover all aspects of research in
a greater depth.
SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE M.B.G.R.G. PROJECT 2003
(Bruce Bishop)
Provide information, research results or advice to Historic Scotland, The Council for Scottish
Archaeology, conservation groups, family history societies and local archives
BRIEF SUMMARY OF OUR PROGRESS
(Keith Mitchell)
Although our activities were formalised with a Constitution in March of this year, to apply
for a Lottery Grant, our individual interests in burial grounds have in some cases existed
for several years.
In February 2001, as part of research undertaken by the Moray Branch members of
Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society, the Monumental Inscriptions in
the "Vale of Pluscarden" was first published. Since then, five other publications have been
issued, which are Alves, Birnie, St. Andrew's Kirkhill, The Michael Kirk at Gordonstoun,
and lastly Kinneddar. Old Bellie Churchyard near Fochabers is currently being recorded.
It was while M.I.'s were being recorded at Birnie during 2001, that the existence of several
buried tombstones were observed. Their discovery was brought about by simple
observation, with an assortment of corners and other surfaces protruding through the soil
and turf. This led to a partial survey being done, to quantify the number of existing stones
within a depth of about 6" from ground level. The method used was a simple, but careful
prodding technique with a thin metal rod. As a result, the existence of some 40 buried
stones was revealed. However, as Birnie Churchyard is a Scheduled Site, our application
to uncover these gravestones, and record their inscriptions, was turned down by Historic
Scotland.
Nothing daunted, we turned our attention to burial grounds where permission was only
required from the Local Council. Ian Bruce, the Cemetery Manager for Moray Council,
kindly gave us permission to proceed with our project. It was from this point that we began
to give serious consideration about producing a proper technique, or Methodology, for
finding buried gravestones. This included ideas about the sort of specialist equipment that
would be required, particularly with regard to the production of a suitable Prodder and non-metallic tools that would help to specifically minimise damage to stones during the
deturfing process. It was also about this time that we thought about the possibility of
surveying as many cemeteries in Morayshire as possible.
Our pilot project included Dipple, St. Andrew's Kirkhill, Essil and Kinneddar. The first three
have been thoroughly surveyed and recorded, while Kinneddar has been completed
except for the upper plateau, thought to contain the covered ruins of the 17th century
church. Thanks to the efforts of those involved, some 64 fragmented and complete
gravestones have briefly seen the light of day, this figure including a number of
Monumental Mason's Blocks.
One aspect of our work that became obvious early on was the necessity of involving other
people, particularly those of a "younger vintage," so that we might have some real hope of
accomplishing our aims. To that end, in April 2002, via the assistance of Dr. Susan
Buckham, and with the kind permission of Gordonstoun's Headmaster, Mr. Mark Pyper, a
seminar on "Carved Stones In Scotland" was successfully held. Almost a year later, thanks
to the generosity of Mr. Gordon Baxter a "Graveyard Day Seminar" was held in the Great
Hall of W. A. Baxter and Sons Ltd. of Fochabers. It was here that Ron Brander, one of the
members, presented a short but practical illustrated talk on the work of our group. Partly as
a result of these events, we now have some 12 people (not all oldies) who are now
actively participating in what we are trying to achieve. Two further "Graveyard Seminars"
were held, one at Dumfries in April, the other at Fort Augustus in May. These were
attended by Bruce Bishop who spoke about the activities of the group; the latter event also
being supported by Helen Mitchell. If one were to believe the local gossip, it would appear
that "the bacon rolls and chips on the way back" from Fort Augustus were most enjoyable.
At the beginning of May we had our first joint meeting with the "Friends of Bellie" where the
process of recording M.I's and probing for buried stones was initiated. This latter task has
now been completed with some 40 odd "hits" being made. In conclusion, it is perhaps
worth commenting that if our results so far were to be extrapolated nationwide, we must
assume the existence of thousands of buried gravestones, many dating back to the 17th
century. These surely must be considered as a National Treasure of primary source
information worthy of every effort to record and preserve for future generations!
Bellie Churchyard Volunteer Appeal
(Helen Mitchell : Fieldwork Co-ordinator)
As we now have 12 members currently supporting our buried gravestone activities, it
should now be easier to achieve our aim of having at least two groups working together in
any graveyard at the same time.
Hopefully during the holiday period we should be able to deturf and record information
from quite a few gravestones at Bellie now that we have several people interested in
drawing and recording.
It is intended to carry out the recording of Monumental Inscriptions and uncovering buried
stones on the dates listed below. Please let me know as soon as possible, either
personally, or by telephone / letter, if you would like to attend any of them. At present it is
planned to carry out this work starting at 1.00 p.m. and finishing about 4.00 p.m. and if you
are in any doubt because of weather conditions, please check with me or Bruce Bishop to
see if the meeting is liable to be cancelled. See address / telephone details at end.
(Dates for Bellie : August 10th & 24th - September 7th & 21st - October 5th)
A Fascinating Pastime
(Mary Macdonald : Member)
A new hobby has been acquired through being a member of a family history society and
the Burial Ground Research Group. I have been researching ancestry for years and have
had a share of going around graveyards looking for particular family stones. However,
nothing compares to the recording of all inscriptions in a particular Churchyard or
cemetery. Here we find a whole community of people who have lived in the area. We find
families who have been there for generations. We see connections through marriages,
various occupations of the time, names of places where they lived, many of which still exist
- farms, crofts etc. All this information almost brings the people back to life. We can picture
them going about their daily chores.
It is a fascinating pastime especially on a beautiful summer day with the sounds of the
countryside all around. Of course we always go prepared with waterproofs and wellington
boots!
NEWSLETTER PRESENTATION
(Keith Mitchell)
Articles & Editorial Control
To create a readable and informative "Newsletter," it would seem worthwhile to establish
as quickly as possible what you would like to see as regular features, or items of interest.
Subjects of interest might include things such as Co-operation with other groups, Dates for
your diary, Exciting discoveries, Outings, Progress at sites under investigation and
Technical Information.
It would be envisaged that the nominated Editor would have the usual editorial controls for
such a publication. This would include deciding the overall content of each issue, editing or
condensing text where appropriate.
Funding
Sadly, as with most things in life, it will cost money to publish this Newsletter. As at presentour Constitution does not allow for charging subscriptions, ideas about funding would be
most welcome. Would you, for example, be prepared to make at least a token payment to
receive your copies?
Logo
Do we need a group logo? If the consensus of opinion is yes, then consideration needs to
be given as to how one is chosen. Perhaps like some other bodies or institutions, we could
have some form of contest. If this was agreed, you could send us your ideas, artistic
capability not being necessary.
Publication Dates
How often would you like to see a newsletter issued? At our current stage of development,
it might be reasonable to issue one, say between two to four times per year, but of course
it could be more often if required.
Pictorial Record 2001-2003
(Image)
Helen Mitchell & Ron Brander cleaning a buried gravestone at Dipple during 2001
(Image)
Fragmented gravestone at Essil showing damage possibly caused by 18th century "vandals"
(Image)
A Latin inscribed gravestone is revealed at St Andrews
Kirkhill as we practice our new "Methodolgy"
(Image)
"Emblems of Mortality" carved for Agnes Innes, wife
of William James, Garmouth, died 23rd July 1732
(Image)
The gravestone of William Robertson, Garmouth, died1771 & his spouse Margaret Shand, died 1762
(Image)
Beautifully carved slate gravestone of Isobel Brand, Garmouth, died March 10th 1763, aged 23
(Image)
Mystery stone object at Kinneddar. Note the square "socket" beside natural weathering
(Image)
Well-carved, 18th century "Emblems of Mortality" at
Kinneddar, including Coffin, Hour Glass & Deid Bell
(Image)
Mary Macdonald deep in concentration transcribing Monumental Inscriptions at Bellie
(Image)
Bruce Bishop drawing 18th century gravestone for publication & Helen Mitchell learning the technique
(Image)
Gordon Baxter watching our team uncover the
gravestone of James Taylor and Agnus Simmeson
(Image)
An artistic delight! This well-preserved gravestone of
James Taylor, who died 10th May 1707, sees the
light of day again for a few minutes, before being
recovered for its further protection.
Work in Progress at Bellie Churchyard.
(Bruce Bishop)
The group are currently researching this site in conjunction with the "Friends of Bellie
Churchyard." Site plans have been drawn, on which all the tombstones have been marked
and numbered and a history of the former church is currently being compiled. The
somewhat chequered history of the church runs from the 12th century until it was allowed
to fall into ruin following the move of the parish church to Fochabers in 1797. The local
heritors, at Gordon Castle, being primarily of the Catholic faith, appear to have done little
to support the church at Bellie. The churchyard, with its two extensions, one in 1929 and
the other in the 1970's, continues to be used as the burial ground for the parish.
The recording of the Monumental Inscriptions is making good progress, with about 350
stones having been transcribed so far. The first volume of these MI's will contain the
inscriptions on the old part of the burial ground, stones 1 - 562, whilst the second volume
will contain the inscriptions in the 1929 extension, stones 563 – 750. As the 1970's section
is not considered to be under threat, the recording of this is not a priority.
A survey of the site has resulted in the location of about 40 tombstones buried beneath the
surface. Simultaneously with the recording of the MI's, a research team has so far
uncovered 7 of these, two of which have proved to be, in one case a blank stone, and in
the other rubble, possibly from the remains of the old church. The four, which have so far
provided inscriptions, have all been excellent examples of the art of the monumental
mason, and although it seems a great pity to have to returf over these stones, this is the
only way in which their continued preservation can be assured.
With our current numbers of enthusiastic volunteers, it is hoped that the first phase of the
MI recording, together with the recording, illustrating and photographing of all of the buried
stones, can be completed by the autumn of 2003.
Future Plans
During the compilation of the Inventory, an attempt has been made to prioritise future
work, both for MI's and Buried Stones. Three local sites have become immediately
apparent as being in need of action, these being Lhanbryde Old Churchyard, old Drainie
Churchyard and Grant Street Burial Ground in Burghead. Permission will require to be
obtained for Lhanbryde, as part of the site is scheduled, but Burghead is covered by the
current permissions, which the group hold. The Ministry of Defence have granted
permission to investigate the old Drainie Church on the airfield, but precise dates for this
work, to fit with airfield operations, are still awaited.
________________________________________________________________________
Temporary Editor: Keith Mitchell. For contact
details see http://www.mbgrg.org
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