Like many of you, I like wandering around cemeteries, and “going for a picnic” usually involves a graveyard. I thought I would show you how useful Monumental Inscriptions (MI’s) can be when researching family history in Scotland. Sometimes Scottish headstones give a surprising amount of genealogical information compared to other countries, so it’s always worth checking, especially if the paper trail has run cold.
Many cemeteries have been recorded and the results published – I surveyed and photographed West Byres Old Churchyard (Ormiston, East Lothian) a few years ago as I could see that some of the stones had noticeably deteriorated over a relatively short period of time. Sandstone was often used for monuments in my area, and it has a tendency to crumble. On a trip to Aberdeen, where they use a lot of granite, I was surprised to see 150 year old headstones which looked brand new.
This is the Hope family crypt – I love it. Can you call a crypt “cute”?
This headstone notes Thomas Hamilton’s occupation and place of work, details of some of his grandchildren, his wife, sons and a daughter in law.
“Sacred to the memory of Thomas HAMILTON for 17 years forester at Ormiston Hall died 16 November 1874 aged 67 years. also of his granddaughter Agnes daughter of John HAMILTON died 19th November 1874 and of Mary A who died 24th January 1883 aged 18 years. also of his spouse Agness HASTON who died 29th September 1885 aged 85 years. Also of Thomas his son who died 14th November 1890 aged 40 years. Also John his son who died 17th August 1907 aged 69 years. Also Janet Rose daughter of John HAMILTON who died 27th October 1918 aged 38 years. Also Isabella Berwick AITKEN widow of John HAMILTON who died 6th April 1927 aged 83 years. Also Robert son of the above John HAMILTON who died 20th April 1958 aged 76 years”
Here we have a beautifully-preserved wall plaque listing various members of the Wight family of Ormiston, including a burial in a different country. Thank you to Adrian for holding back the ivy and getting covered in bugs!
“In affectionate remembrance and tribute to the memory of David WIGHT of Ormiston died 11th March 1792 aged 73 years. This monument was erected by his widow Mary BROWN who died 9th May 1808 aged 67 years. Sincerely lamented by her surviving family. Mr David WIGHT of Ormiston died 17th February 1830 aged 70 years also his wife Elizabeth WIGHT died 10th February 1812 aged 34 years and of their son Robert died 1st July 1807 aged 3 years Miss Catherine WIGHT daughter of Mr Andrew WIGHT died 22nd December 1847 aged 86 years. Alexander second son of Alexr Imlach LAMBE Esq and of his wife Ann Margaret WIGHT daughter of the above David WIGHT born 5th January died 12th November 1855. Andrew WIGHT Esq of Ormiston died 18th November 1858 aged 58 years. Interred in Kensal Green, London. David WIGHT Esq WS Edinburgh died 15th June 1860 aged 54 years”
Are you surprised at the amount of detail? What information would you typically find on a headstone or grave marker in your local area? Have you been on a “picnic” recently?
One of the important sources for checking published Monumental Inscriptions is the Scottish Genealogy Society – I regularly visit their library in Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Check your local library, or you can order publications direct from the Scottish Genealogy Society’s online shop.
own documents and photos to demonstrate how he traced his ancestry. If you will be in the Pitlochry area at the beginning of November, the festival runs for ten days starting Friday 29th October and has a multitude of Scottish offerings – music, walks, music, talks, music, workshops, music and don’t forget the 
