As I wander around the graveyards in Scotland, I am forever amazed at how old some of the stones are.
While most "old stones" are from the 18th century, there are also some that are much older than than. Here is a sample:
the death is 1582 but it is doubtful that the stone is from that time
1608
1650
1748
The date listed on this one is for Rev Anderson's grandson was interred 1796. It states that Anderson is "mingled with the dust" (and his grandfather).
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However, reading the stone itself, for a Rev John Anderson, it gives a number of clues as to when he lived. It reads:
Near this place
the remains of the Rev'd
John Anderson
Who was Preceptor to the famous John Duke of Argyll and Great wich(?) and Minister of the Gospel in Dumbarton in the beginning of the eighteenth Century; and in this church (Ramshorn, Glasgow) in the year 1720. He was the Author of The Defence of the Church Government, Faith Worship and Spirit of the Presbyterians and of several other Ecclesiastical and Political Tracts. As a pious Minister an eloquent Preacher a Defender of Civil and Religious Liberty and a Man of Wit and Learning he was much esteemed. He lived in the reigns of Charles II James II William III Ann, and George I Such times and such a man forget not, Reader while thy Country Liberty and Religion are dear to thee
Mingled with the dust of the above mentioned Mr John Anderson is that of his grandson Mr John Anderson who died on the 13th of January in the Year 1796. in the Seventieth Year of his Age and Forty first of his Professorship. The eldest son of Mr Anderson who was Minister of the Church was the Reverend James Anderson who was Minister in Rosneath and his eldest son was the above mentioned Mr John Anderson who was Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Glasgow and the an Institution in the City of Glasgow for Lectures on Natural Philosophy and in every branch of Knowledge.
Erected July 1796
What about you? What is the oldest gravestone you have come across?
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