Gravestones study throws light on past
Burial ground research group’s findings go into print
Published:
A MORAY group which spent years brushing away the grime of centuries to discover who lies buried at an Elgin landmark have published a book about their findings.
It took three-and-a-half years for members of Moray Burial Ground Research Group to record the inscriptions on more than 1,166 tombstones at Elgin Cathedral.
They cleaned each stone, and transcribed and recorded the writing on each before photographing them and compiling the details in their latest book, entitled Monumental Inscriptions, Elgin Cathedral, Moray.
Fieldwork co-ordinator Helen Mitchell yesterday said the work was originally carried out by Manpower Services in the 1970s, but was an incomplete record because workers could not read all the inscriptions and some stones were missed.
The latest book is the most complete record of monumental inscriptions of Elgin Cathedral.
As well as the transcription details of all the stones, there is also an indexed site plan of the gravestones.
The group’s research over the past six years has allowed it to fill in the gaps for those looking to trace their ancestors in Moray, and has helped both foreign and local people in their investigations.
Mrs Mitchell said the group used normal household items such as wooden spatulas, plastic fish slices, toothbrushes and toothpicks to clear away centuries of mud and overgrowth on the stones, which date as far back as the 16th century.
She said: “It takes a lot of work but it’s a very interesting hobby.”
The book will be launched at Yeadons Book Shop in Elgin on Monday at 7pm. Tickets are available from Yeadons on 01343 542 411.
