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THE MORAY BURIAL GROUND RESEARCH GROUP (Image - Group Logo)
Newsletter - Issue 18 - - - June 2011 (Currently published twice a year)
Editor's Note
Welcome to another edition of the group newsletter, and apologies for the slight
delay again, but there's been a lot happening lately and we held off to
accommodate some of the events in this issue. It is with great sadness that we
have to report the passing of our Honorary President Betty Willsher who has been
with us for many years and has done so much for the field we are in. A full
obituary is posted herein. We therefore have asked Charles J. Burnett Esq.
whether he would be willing to undertake this position and he has graciously
accepted.
Derek
Heralding a New Honorary President
(Image)
Photo supplied by C.J. Burnett
The Moray Burial Ground Research Group is delighted to announce that Charles J.
Burnett Esq., Ross Herald Extraordinary, has accepted the office of Honorary
President, succeeding the late Betty Willsher, MBE.
Burnett, who lives in Portsoy, has had a varied career and has been involved
with the Lyon Court and Heraldry since 1983. In 1988 he was appointed Ross
Herald of Arms, an Honour held until his retiral in 2010.
Educated in Fraserburgh, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Charles went on to take up
various posts largely connected with artistic and antiquarian pursuits. Between
1971-1985 he was Head of Design at the National Museum of Antiquities of
Scotland, and from 1985-1996 he held the post of Curator of Fine Art at the
Scottish United Services Museum in Edinburgh Castle. Closer to home Charles was
Chamberlain of Duff House at Banff during 1997-2004. Other significant positions
held by Charles over the years include that of Vice-President of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland, a roll he held during 1992-1995, while in 2003 he
became President of the Heraldry Society of Scotland. Amongst the many honours
held by Charles is that of being made an Honorary Citizen of the State of
Oklahoma in 1989. He is also a Holder of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Charles has co-authored four publications on Scottish historical subjects,
including The Honours of Scotland, published in 1993, and has written over 140
articles on Scottish Heraldry and History. He also has a regular monthly
heraldic feature in the Knock News, which is always a great read. Since 1994 he
has given over 300 lectures in various parts of the world, including right here
in Elgin to our own members in 2011. We extend to Charles a hearty welcome from
MBGRG members, in the knowledge that his expert advice on matters heraldic
relating to historic memorials will be crucially important in their
interpretation.
Field Co-ordinator’s Report
(by Helen Mitchell)
An appeal!!! Does anyone have a crystal ball which will predict Sunday weather
at least two weeks in advance? This year has been slow to start on our outings
because of the cold.
Dyke, Knockando, Rathven (Old) and Aberlour are more or less completed. Final
checks on Dyke are underway in prepartion for printing. Kirkmichael has still to
be completed with MI recording and buried stones. Elgin (East) is a quarter of
the way through MI recording. Elgin (West) has just become available. See
separate report on last page
We have now started at historic Mortlach church with MI recording only at
present. With the better weather we will check for buried stones, but in one
section there is not a great deal of space between stones. The oldest we have
recorded so far is 1463, with a few in the 1600s. At the beginning of the month
we started recording at Cullen Old Kirk. Although not a large churchyard, there
are many table and flat stones in need of attention by our team of “careful
cleaners.” I have a feeling that even the recorders will jump at the chance to
clean them. See Keith’s report for more information on Mortlach & Cullen Kirks.
Saturday May 12th saw a few members taking part in Moray Heritage Connection
Fair, (of which the Group is a member), in Elgin Library. We had our usual
tables with books and the “Gravestone Experience.” Although we may not sell much
at these fairs, we are promoting the work of the group (and our website) to
visitors and local people.
Obituary : Betty Willsher MBE 1916 - 2012
(Image)
It is with sad regret that we have to report the death of Betty Willsher. As you
will know, Betty became our first Honorary President in 2006, and has provided
through her work and writings a very valuable insight into the work we do. It
was an absolute pleasure to have known her and she will be sadly missed by all
in the group.
Betty who died in February had a great passion for researching burial grounds
and produced the seminal work ‘Understanding Scottish Graveyards’ in 1985. She
was subsequently awarded the MBE in 1999. Betty, who lived in St Andrews, was an
admirer of the research work undertaken by MBGRG members, and where possible
made several visits to Elgin to offer her expert advice and support.
James Anderson and Jean Robertson in Mortlach : A Mystery Unfolds
(by Keith Mitchell)
Our first visit to the historic church of Mortlach a few weeks ago, proved
exciting in several ways, not least in the discovery of the inscription
displayed in the adjacent photograph.
(Image - 1463 dated tombstone)
Photo by KLM
As the weather was not really suitable for good photography, Gordon and I went
round the churchyard looking for tombstones that would not be visible in direct
sunlight. In the process, we came upon a small stone that had what appeared to
be only a faint trace of lettering on the surface.
On occasions like this we normally make use of plain domestic flour to enhance
the visual aspect of worn or difficult text. So out came the brush dipped in the
white stuff, and with one stroke across the stone’s surface, the following text
jumped out at me IAMESI:R 1463. Imagine my immediate and delighted surprise!
This seemed too good to be true. So in tombstone heaven I went round telling
everyone about this exciting find so that they could share in the rare
experience of seeing a memorial from so long ago.
Any tombstone with dateable text prior to about the middle of the 17th century
is indeed a rarity in this part of the country. Memorials dating to the 16th
century are most uncommon, while those from the 15th century or earlier are as
scarce as the proverbial hen’s tooth. However, due to the very ancient history
connected with Mortlach Church, it hosts several memorials of equal and even
earlier vintage!
Although very simple, and quite crudely carved, our find must surely be
considered historically of some significance. This is particularly the case when
we are able to identify to whom it was dedicated, i.e. James Anderson and Jean
Robertson who presumably was his spouse. We might also infer that James died in
1463, but of course there are other possible explanations for the use of that
year. So who were this couple? At time of writing it appears their names do not
appear in any surviving records relating to Mortlach we have had access to, but
maybe further research will reveal something more about them.
Volunteers
(by Ruth Mackintosh)
I recently distributed leaflets in Dufftown advertising the group and asking for
Volunteers as we start recording at Mortlach Churchyard. The shops, library and
post office were very helpful and willingly took posters to put up in their
premises. To them I say thank you as this has resulted in some interest being
shown.
As has been said before, we desperately need people to come out in the field to
help in our recording and also people to do background work. As well as being
enjoyable and getting a real feel of social history while working in really old
and historically important churchyards and public cemeteries, we are a really
sociable group, and if you get a nice sunny day with the birds singing, then
that is the icing on the cake.
You only have to read the guestbook on the web site to realize how many people
from all over the world value the work done by MBGRG.
Moray Connections Heritage Open Day
(by Ruth Mackintosh)
On Saturday 12th May MBGRG had a stall at the above event in Elgin library,
getting our name out there and hopefully attracting some more volunteers. There
was a good variety of stalls from as far afield as Aberdeen, Cullen, Buckie,
Findhorn, Burghead and Knockando so competition for volunteers was fierce There
was also a representative from WRVS Moray Memories who was collecting
information for their web site of people’s memories of their first jobs and
reminisces of bygone days. Moira and I contributed to her portfolio, which must
mean we are getting old!
(Image - Stall in Elgin Library)
Numbers given to us indicate the footfall in the library that morning was in the
region of 800 persons with 500 going into the open day itself. We distributed
some leaflets about the group and also sold some of our publications. To date we
have not had an abundance of new volunteers coming forward, so if you know of
anyone, or you yourself reading this who could help in any small way, please
come forward and give your name to Helen or Keith, or to any member of MBGRG.
Vandalism in Moray Cemeteries
(by Keith Mitchell – Chairman)
Desecration which occurs in burial grounds anywhere in the world must be
described as one of the lowest forms of human behaviour. Most ‘normal’ people
abhor such anti-social conduct, and the distress caused to the living and the
dead, is in reality indescribable! The basic human right to be buried in peace,
and left undisturbed, is something that people should have the right to expect,
irrespective of nationality, class, creed or standing in society. However, it
seems there are those who think that going into a cemetery and knocking down
tombstones, is in some way a so-called badge of honour, or a pleasurable way of
spending some time on a wrecking spree. In doing so they clearly fail to
comprehend the grief their destructive behaviour causes. Maybe some do
understand and that’s one of the reasons they do it! Then there are those that
are mere youngsters, who have never been taught right from wrong, or who are not
in the slightest interested either way. The fact that these delinquents will
have to live with what they have done for the rest of their lives is a reality
that one day, some may bitterly regret. Rant over!
As reported in our last Newsletter, a number of cemeteries in Moray have
recently suffered severe attacks. Elgin Cemetery and Cluny Hill in Forres have
come under renewed assault, and it is really sad to note that the work of
several hard working volunteers has been undermined by what these totally
misguided individuals have done.
At the beginning of February a new Community Payback Order scheme came into
force. This replaced several other previous types of Court Order. Suitable
candidates are given the opportunity to take part in unpaid work activities for
the benefit of the community, and this includes the re-erection of vandalized or
fallen tombstones.
Not long ago Ruth and I cleared some vegetation which was covering part of a
fallen stone in the East section of Elgin Cemetery. Shortly afterwards a
photograph of this stone was published in the Press, along with details about
the training scheme to have tombstones re-erected under the terms of this new
Payback Order scheme. A few weeks ago Helen and I met up with the scheme’s
organizers and briefly discussed the possibility with a view to getting MIs
recorded from tombstones that are currently lying face down. We await
developments.
Humour Corner
(image - Bill, Sandy & Jim)
Photo KLM
Captions Wanted – Answers on a Postcard please!
Originally described as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” the above photograph
is described in no particular order. It was, however, felt more appropriate to
ask for a suitable caption, ode or verse, to describe these three handsome young
‘mannies’ sitting on a bench enjoying a snack before getting back to their
tombstone cleaning labours. If you have any ideas, please let us know and we
will publish the results in our next issue.
Cullen Auld Kirk - Work Starts
(by Derek Page)
Work has now also begun on the old kirk at Cullen and has so far proved to be
very interesting, with a vast amount of table stones to be cleaned and recorded.
There were a few surprising moments again as more 'recycled' stones were found
with older engraving on the under side of tables. I found myself lying partially
submerged, upside down in the dirt trying to read the underlying text with a
reasonable amount of success! The symbolism on the stones found thus far has
been an especial pleasure, detailing many symbols not encountered in Moray
before and with some exceptional workmanship by the masons.
(Four 'detail' images)
Some of the exceptional work by masons at Cullen
A table end showing a rare skeleton design not normally seen this far north, the
following angel is at the other end of the table along with the masons marks on
the rear.
So Who Was Martin Brydon Bruce?
(By Keith Mitchell – Chairman)
As part of our campaign to record as many unlisted memorial tablets in Elgin, to
be published alongside some of the more challenging tombstones in the cathedral,
we naturally jumped at the chance to record several that used to be displayed in
the soon to be demolished Elgin Academy. Several, including a Great War
Memorial, predate the erection of this building in 1967. Two are in Latin, while
three have dates that range through 1823-1886.
(Image - Andy Oliver with men lifting memorial)Photo KLM
As a member of Elgin North Area Forum, I have been in consultation with Andy
Oliver, PPP Project Manager for the new Elgin Academy, which opened recently.
Through the kindness of both Andy and David Barnett, Head Teacher and his staff,
I was given an excellent opportunity to photograph all the memorials, which were
mounted on the walls of the old school. Some of these were in awkward positions,
while lighting in some cases proved a bit of a problem. However, I was given yet
another opportunity to re-photograph them in more natural lighting conditions.
Later on, by making use of my photo computer software, I was finally able to put
together a suitable photographic record for future reference and research.
(Image - Memorial to Martin Bruce)
Photo KLM
One of these memorials had apparently been stored in a cupboard and very little
was known about its history. In the process of photographing it, questions were
raised about who Martin Bruce was and what was the Elgin connection with ‘The
City of London Imperial Volunteers.’ Martin Bruce’s parents were described as
‘of this Parish,’ but which parish did this mean – was it the Parish of Elgin
for example? Thanks to Graeme Wilson and the historical details available at the
Moray Heritage Centre, the facts of the case began to unravel.
Martin Bruce was born on 3rd October 1863. His parents were John Bruce,
Greenbank, Reidhaven Street, Elgin and Helen Brydon. He worked for Cameron &
Allan. However, at the moment we still have to ascertain what sort of business
this was. As he grew up, Martin turned into an artist of some merit and became a
member of the Royal Society of British Artists.
Quite how and why he got involved with the volunteer regiments and the Boer War
in South Africa we have still to find out. Certain it is that on his return to
Britain on board the S.S. Aurania, he died at sea of Enteric Fever on the 25th
October, 1900, aged 37, and was buried at sea. On 20th April, 1901, the Northern
Scot reported on the erection of the Memorial to Bruce at Elgin Academy, in what
is now part of Moray College.
Important Milestone Reached for MBGRG Website Indices
(By Keith Mitchell – Chairman)
(Image - Screenshot of Ancestor Indices from website)
We have just received our latest publication, Elgin (West Section & New Elgin
War Memorial) back from the printers in England. This forms the oldest part of
Elgin Cemetery which was opened for interments in 1858. The volume contains 93
pages, including an Introduction, History and Acknowledgements, as well as five
pages of plans and a comprehensive index.
In excess of 500 memorial inscriptions have been recorded, and these include
details of more than 2,000 individuals.
When this total is later added to our Website Indices in approximately a month
from now, this source of genealogical record will have passed through the 50,000
barrier. The fact that this number has been reached so soon after entering into
our 10th year of existence, must warrant something of a celebratory vote of
thanks to all our voluntary members who by their diligence over the years have
laboured long, hard and enjoyably to make all this information available.
Special thanks must go to our Webmaster, Lindsay Robertson, for his ever
continuing efforts to keep the website up to date.
Elgin Cemetery (West) and New Elgin War Memorial is available to members prices
at £5.00. The price to non members is £6.50 plus P&P where relevant.
Please order your copy at enquiries@mbgrg.org.
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Editor : Derek C Page, 7 Monaughty Cottages, Alves, Forres, Moray IV36 2RA
Tel: 01343-850572 & E-mail address: editor@mbgrg.org