Old Langton Graveyard

Another brisk frosty morning, although somewhat treacherous underfoot, conditions as Elma found last week ideal for photographing. Made my way to the old graveyards on Langton Estate (above) which is situated in a heavily wooded area so much so that I even had some difficulty finding.

The original church at Langton was abandoned in1798 when the new Church was built although the graveyard continued to be used up until something like 1868. As can be seen in the photograph it is now in an advanced state of decay and a great many of the stones (there must be perhaps 100 in all) are heavily overgrown with moss.

This is a Churchyard which we have not yet transcribed but which we should certainly looking to do although this would have to be in the early part of the year before  it is again enveloped in vegetation.

My purpose in visiting was principally to track down a particular inscription for a member - unfortunately I was unsuccessful in this although it may well be there under the moss.

Incidentally we have recently agreed a new facility whereby (within reason) we can, on request, photograph any particular stone in any of the Border graveyards and send electronically as an attachment. We do however make a small charge of £5 for this service. To  request a photo go to our Contacts Pages, scroll down to 'gravestone  recording' and send your request.

Berwickshire Monumental Inscriptions research on the road again

Saturdays beautiful clear frosty morning was too good to miss.  Even though it was very cold, I took the chance to go around east Berwickshire, researching for the publication of Monumental Inscriptions.  First stop was Edrom, already recorded and photographed, to look at the Symbolic stones in more detail .The original tablestones were set upright into the ground many years ago, one of them upside down and the supports were incorporated into one of the walls. I was very lucky to get access to the church as one of the elders was there putting the heating on. 

 

Next stop was Chirnside, to photograph the church and to draw a rough plan of the churchyard. Then on to Ayton, to photograph the church and the war memorial.  BFHS published Ayton MI’s some years ago and have now photographed the older part of the churchyard.  Next stage is to photograph the stones in the newer part of the churchyard and to complete the plan of the layout.

 

Eyemouth was the last visit, to look at the old churchyard in the town centre, to photograph the old watch house.  Some of the old symbolic stones and the supports of tablestones have been incorporated into this building. Both old and new cemeteries at Eyemouth were recorded this year, the next stage being the indexing and research into the Militia lists of the early 19^th century.

And after a morning, walking about in the frosty wet grass, lunch in one of the local cafes was most welcome.  There’s lots more research and preparation for the Monumental Inscriptions team to do over the winter months.

I've just received this notice and message from The Heritage Hub.

Please find attached details of a joint event between the Heritage Hub and Historic Scotland hosted at Tower Mill Hawick on Wednesday 21 November. The event is a launch of a two year joint project using the Medieval Music Manuscript or 'Hawick Missal'

At the event the Music will be performed for the first time in 450 years. This is a unique opportunity not just to see the document but also to hear the performance of this work.

Tickets are available directly from the Heritage Hub (cash payments only) and can be collected on the night.

It looks as though it will be an interesting evening and I'm sorry I can't go.