IMAGES OF MAN'S MORTALITY ON GRAVESTONES IN NORFOLK : SKULLS.
Above, and two superb mid 18th Century Deaths Head stones, from the church of St Clement at Burnham Overy. Quite simply, some of the finest work of its kind that I have ever seen! Below left, and another very fine piece of work from the grounds of St Nicholas at Wells Next The Sea. This grave still stands proudly in grounds that have been largely cleared of graves. Another to remain is pictured to the right, and being dated 1686, is a much earlier example of a Deaths Head stone. As well as the skull an hourglass is present. I am open to offers as to what the other implements are. Perhaps they could be connected with the deceased's occupation. There is much text on this grave, but sadly it is too worn to make out.
A return visit to Wighton, with conditions consoderable better than my first abortive trip which fell foul of some dreadful wet conditions. Four photographs. all dating from early to mid 18th Century. Top left is the tiny grave of a child.
To the right of that, and in considerably better condition than many of the graves in that churchyard, a beautifully carved double skull grave to one Robert Buddery, who was buried in 1726. Note the young shoots surrounding the skull denoting new life. Below left and a winged skull from 1711 with a very worn, but nonetheless interesting, stone to the right of that. Again the skull is present here, with crossed bones to the left and right of the gravestone. Above the crossed bones are the fifes of life, turned down in this case to represent death.
Third week in January 2008, and a four day trip to the Fakenham area for a family wedding. Poor lighting conditions for nearly the
whole time that I was there. Pictured above, a gloriously crudely carved double skull grave from the church of St Mary at Hindringham. To the right of that, symbolism very much to the fore with a skull perched on top of a winged hourglass, from the same church.
A real curiosity to conclude this page from the church of St Mary at Burnham Westgate. A grave for a husband and wife with almost cartoon like skulls being found half way down the grave and also at the foot of the grave, where crossed bones are also present along with the skulls. Curious and charming.
