Group burrow into graves history around cemeteries
Experts help in workshops
Individuals and groups are being offered the chance to get involved in a unique project that celebrates the history of graveyards.
Treasured Remains will look at four of the most historically significant graveyards in the Clyde and Avon Valley, between now and next January.
The series of free workshops will explore the histories of New Lanark Burial Ground, St Patrick’s Churchyard within Dalzell Estate, St Michael’s Churchyard at Cambusnethan and St Ninian’s Churchyard in Stonehouse.
Participants will work with conservation experts from Archaeology Scotland and Kirkyard Consulting to carry out vital research, in order to understand the extent and current condition of the graveyards, update existing records and raise awareness of this rich part of the area’s history and heritage.
They will assist in creating plans containing the position of the main graveyard features, full records for each gravestone and lichen surveys for each site.
In doing so, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use specialist techniques such as geophysics and light techniques.
The project is managed by Archaeology Scotland in association with Kirkyard Consulting and Spectrum Heritage, and is part of the Heritage Lottery Fund and LEADER supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP).
No experience is necessary as training will be given. All ages and abilities are welcome but children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Workshops are free but booking is essential via adopt@archaeologyscotland.org.uk or call 0300 012 9878.
Ewan Bachell, CAVLP development officer for Treasured Remains, said: “St Michael’s Churchyard, Cambusnethan, contains 129 gravestones and is notable for its collection of medieval gravestones and five mausolea. St Patrick’s Churchyard, Dalzell Estate, is comprised of over 193 memorials and three elements – St Patrick’s Churchyard, the Hamilton of Dalzell Mausoleum (dated 1798, built using stone from the demolished St Patrick’s Kirk) and a 20th century pet cemetery.”
He continued: “St Ninian’s Churchyard, Stonehouse, is one of the best collections of the 18th century gravestone carvings in the region, including emblems of mortality, immorality and trade symbols.
“Made up of 424 gravestones, it contains a ruined gable and bellcote of the former church believed to be of ninth century foundation.
“Perhaps most unusual is New Lanark Burial Ground, which was established in the late 18th century by the utopian socialists David Dale and Robert Owen, as a non-denominational burial ground for the industrial village.
“Within this wooded Clyde Valley site, there are 120 headstones and one single ledger stone, all of which are predominantly small, un-inscribed and irregular in form. They are dated up until 1900 and are unusual in the absence of carvings, and, in some cases, inscriptions – only 23 out of 120 are inscribed.”
The Clyde and Avon Valley graveyards are also important in the area’s Covenanter history, containing one memorial in St Michael’s Churchyard, Cambusnethan, and two memorials in St Ninian’s Churchyard, Stonehouse.