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Cursed be he that moves my bones Take for example the memorial stone for William Shakespeare, who lived in morbid fear of his body being dug up or moved after his death. This fear can be followed through at least 16 of his 32 plays. For example in Romeo and Juliet when Juliet imagines waking up and tearing bodies and in Hamlet when a grave digger throws up skulls and bones. Dr Schwyzer believes that Shakespeare’s epitaph shows he foresaw his lasting fame. "The strength of feeling is most extraordinary - gravediggers are threatened with a curse and even archaeological exploration discouraged," added Dr Schwyzer in his Archaeologies of English Renaissance Literature publication. Shakespeare’s inscription reads (translated into modern English): "Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, Shakespeare’s grave is in the as his wishes, untouched.
Another element of interest in the headstones of the famous is the design. Many contain lifelike images, or carvings of hobbies. John Keats’ headstone is engraved with the design of a lyre with broken strings, which was added by Keat’s friends Joseph Severn and Charles Brown. Keats wanted an anonymous headstone with only: “Here lies one whose name was writ in water” as an inscription.
“This grave contains all that was mortal of a YOUNG ENGLISH POET who on his death bed in the bitterness of his heart at the malicious power of his enemies desired these words to be engraven on his tomb stone”.
John Keats is buried in the There is plenty to read and contemplate over with regard to Robin Hood. Kirklees Priory features frequently as the burial place of a person who is considered to be the man on whom the legends are based. The small Cistercian priory of Kirklees was founded in 1155AD during the reign of Henry II by Reiner le Fleming, lord of the manor of Wath-upon-Dearne. Although there is no record of when or how Robin Hood died, it is possible that he was the person who was killed at Kirklees, which is only 10 miles from
Granite Memorials, to celebrate the launch of their new website www.granite-memorials.co.uk, are running a competition to find the most interesting and witty inscription on a famous personality’s headstone. Send your photos, explaining where and when you took them and why you feel it should rank in the Headstones Hall of Fame, to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All pictures received before the 28th February 2010 will be judged by our experienced stone masons and the winning photo will be displayed on our website, while the photographer will win a handmade granite house plaque. For full terms and conditions please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (02 February 2010) — Headstones of the rich and famous, or sometimes infamous, can be found in graveyards and cemeteries all over the world. Many of which contain epitaphs and inscriptions written either by or about the deceased. These epitaphs, far from being depressing, are often humorous and very interesting as they are written at the time of their death. |
The site of Robin's grave at Kirklees has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The problem is: it's the wrong place. The grave has been moved at least three times. The original grave slab disappeared some time after 1665. A replica was made, but this was chipped to pieces by 18th-century canal workers who thought a little bit of Robin Hood's gravestone would cure toothache.
