GENBRIT-L Archives

Archiver > GENBRIT > 2003-07 > 1058243142


From: Ken Gibb <>
Subject: Re: Scottish Tombstones
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 14:25:42 +1000
References: <572c4cf.0307141247.1192cc4c@posting.google.com>


On 14 Jul 2003 13:47:45 -0700, (John Stevens)
wrote:

>Recently whilst visiting south-west Scotland (from London) I visited
>a village churchyard to look at some historic graves. Whilst there I
>noticed that on all tombstones that recorded the death of a married or
>widowed woman her maiden name only was quoted. i.e
>
>"Here lies Mary Jones, beloved wife of John Smith"
>
>Now I may be unobservant but this seems different from my experience
>elsewhere. It is usual surely for a woman to be recorded on her tombstone
>in her married name? Certainly all of my ancestors graves that I have found
>have been in this format.
>
>So, can anyone tell me if the use of the maiden name is peculiar to Scotland
>or it it a practice to be found elsewhere in Britain?
>
>Thanks
>
>John
John,
Whilst it my seem " strange" to you, think of the luck us people with
Scottish ancestors obtain, when we are able to view these Headstones.
It is a VERY, VERY good
Scottish custom.

Ken
Jill and Ken Gibb e-mail -
Mordialloc, Victoria
Australia

This thread: