Anna Fairley Nielsson
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annaandthedead.bsky.social
Anna Fairley Nielsson
@annaandthedead.bsky.social
270 followers 50 following 270 posts
Photographer and archaeologist undertaking AHRC-funded research into the archaeology of Liverpool's cemeteries 🪦 She/her 🏳️‍🌈
https://linktr.ee/annafn
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annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves - I can't just stop at one though! Here's some more memento mori from Brechin Cathedral, Angus. Archives record the deceased as Donaldson, "some time mason Brechine", died 1724, and Isabell Fletcher his spouse, d.1723.
A delaminated sandstone headstone featuring a relief carving of crossbones and a skull facing to the right, with a scythe, arrow, and hourglass on its side alongside it. On top is a banner that reads "Memento mori". The visible text comemmorates a member of the Donaldson family. Above, its just possible to make out the figures of two cherubs resting on either side of the stone's sinuous top. Betty Willsher's records on trove.scot record the inscription as ---- Donaldson / Some time mason Brechine / who departed 8th Day of March 1724 & Isabell Fletcher his spouse / departed 15th --- 1723. Detail of the skull and cross bones motifs at the top of the stone. The reverse of the stone features even more symbolism, much of which is covered in moss. A winged cherub's head at the top has grown moss which looks like hair. Detail of one of the reclining cherubs on the top of the headstone, also covered in moss.
October 31, 2025 at 9:15 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 31 - Memento mori: Joseph Tapping's headstone at King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston, Mass. 😍☠️⌛. Died 1678, aged 23y.
FUGIT HORA! Time flies! Today is the end of 31 Days. Thank you SO much all who joined me.
An elaborate slate headstone featuring multiple motifs representing "memento mori", including a winged skull with hourglass on top, and beneath a depiction of a struggle between a skeleton and Father Time. The skeleton is armed with an arrow and a candle snuffer, and is attempting to put out a large candle. A close up of the carving featuring the skeleton and Father Time. Underneath is the phrase "Tempus erat" The top of the headstone features a winged skull with hourglass on top, and the words, Fugit Hora, Memento Mori. In an inscribed arch on the right hand side of the gravestone are the words "Vive Memor Loethi, Fugit Hora"
October 31, 2025 at 9:15 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 30 - Colour: Coloured tiles on the monument to Daniel McCoy of Carrickmacross, d.1868, buried at Ford Cemetery, Liverpool.
The pedestal of a damaged monument featuring a plaque commemorating Daniel McCoy. Above the plaque is a circular blue, red, and white tile, featuring the IHS symbol. A closer view of the circular IHS tile. A circular tile featuring the lamb of God on the other side of the monument. The prompts list for 31 Days of Graves
October 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 29 - Occupation: I haven't seen many women's occupations on C19th memorials. Ann Wallace was a corset maker, died 1857. At Nellfield Cemetery, Aberdeen.
A short grey granite obelisk commemorating Ann Wallace. The prompts list for 31 Days of Graves
October 29, 2025 at 12:49 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 28 - Column: Well a round tower is basically a column... Kate Mary Scott & her husband Anthony (an architect) are commemorated by this depiction of an Irish round tower (cloigtheach) at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
A granite cemetery monument in the shape of a round tower, topped with a cross. It is mounted on a rock shaped base and is surrounded by other memorials. The base of the monument says it was erected by Anthony Scott in memory of his wife Kate Mary. The prompts list for 31 Days of Graves.
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 27 - Tree: Most depictions of trees on memorials in Liverpool are willows on headstones made of Welsh slate. 1/ Toxteth Park Cemetery 1859, 2/ St Michael's Garston 1873, 3/ Anfield Cemetery 1883, 4/ St James' Cemetery 1885.
A stylised willow tree at the top of a headstone commemorating Mary WIlliams of Carnarvonshire. A relief carving of a willow tree draped over a broken column. A relief carving of a stylised willow tree at the top of a headstone commemorating Thomas Jones. A relief carving of a willow tree with a broken column behind. The carving is at the top of a headstone comemmorating Mary Ann, wife of David Woods.
October 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 26 - Figure: Saint Francis of Assisi on the top of the monument commemorating Francesco Morelli (1919-1946) and Giuseppe Morelli (1876-1954) at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast.
A statue depicting St Francis of Assisi on top of a pedestal commemorating the Morelli family. A closer image of the pedestal shows it features two photos of the men commemorated and an Italian epitaph. The prompts list for 31 days of graves.
October 26, 2025 at 9:45 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 25 - Graveside ornament: Back in New Orleans - mardi gras ornaments and beads round the vase on a burial plot at St Patrick's No. 1 and a little broken cat and pair of horses at St Louis' No. 3.
A vase of cream roses at the base of a grave plot. It is covered in mardi gras beads and decorations. A small grey cat figurine under a vase. Two small horse figurines at the base of a headstone.
October 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 24 - Bonus unique animal: The She-Wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, symbolic of Rome, on the monument to Goffredo Mameli (d.1849, aged 21y) at Campo Verano. By Luciano Campisi 1891.
A stone sculpture of a wolf nursing two human infants. The wolf statue stands on top a large monument featuring a marble depiction of the deceased lying on a bed or tomb.
October 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 24 - Unique animal: This buffalo stands near the Goldring family tomb - William Goldring is chairman of the Sazerac Company which makes Buffalo Trace Bourbon. At Metairie Cemetery #NewOrleans. Goldring is still alive, but I don't know if the tomb has been used by family.
A large bronze statue of a buffalo The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves
October 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 23 - Cross: An iron cross at Walnut Hills Cemetery, #Cincinnati. It opened in 1843 as “The Second German Protestant Cemetery”.
A large iron cross on stone base. The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves
October 23, 2025 at 12:24 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
Several nettle stings later... the sacramental recess (aumbry) survives in the church wall with a relief carving of the crucifixion.
A recess in a stone wall, with a relief carving above. The carving shows three figures, one in the middle with arms outspread.
October 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
A few of the oldest stones, and bonus ponies 🪦 🐴
A stone lying flush with the earth, it's inscribed with a ringed cross, and runes. An upright granite stone with relief carving of a sword and incised cross. Two narrow standing stones amongst the nettles. A black shetland pony with fluffy brown mane
October 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 22 - Landscape: My friend and I explored the overgrown St Meddan's, Fintray, Aberdeenshire a couple of weeks ago. The church dates to the 12th century, but there's a headstone dating as recently as 2014!
Several headstones amongst a field of nettles, with a low stone building in the background. A closer view of the headstones and stone church building.
October 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 21 - Bronze: I (knowingly) saw my first white bronze (zinc) monuments this summer. This one commemorates the Paull family at Lakeside-Carpenter Cemetery, East Providence, Rhode Island.
A white bronze monument featuring a pedestal with classically dressed figure standing on the top. One arm is reaching towards the sky. A different angle of the same monument. An American flag leans against the side. Detail of the figure on the top of the monument. One hand holds a book and the other points upwards. The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves.
October 21, 2025 at 8:01 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 20 - Wreath: Christmas wreaths on the Rabbitte family vault at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin in January 2024.
A large black iron door with three christmas wreaths with red ribbons. The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves.
October 20, 2025 at 1:44 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 19 - Social group: The Hellenic Orthodox Community tomb at St Louis' Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans.
A large red and cream striped mausoleum in the style of a Greek Orthodox temple. Detail of the wall of the mausoleum reads "Hellenic Orthodox Community" The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves.
October 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 18 - Mistake: I have no idea what was going on here. Leah's name is listed three times, once in Hebrew & twice in English. The Hebrew inscription stops abruptly and "Leah Helfet" is inscribed again upside down near the bottom, above the Hebrew “תנצבה”
A poor quality headstone with three lines of Hebrew at the top, and English inscription commemorating Leah Helfet in the middle. The name Leah Helfet is again inscribed upside down at the bottom.
October 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 17 - Relocated: This memorial was moved from St Peter's Churchyard #Liverpool to Walton Park Parochial Cemetery in 1922 during the church's demolition. It commemorates Elizabeth d.1745, George d.1759, and John Okill d.1773.
A large flatstone partially covered in fallen leaves and ivy. The prompts list for 31 Days Of Graves.
October 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 16 - Obelisk: This obelisk at St James' Cemetery #Liverpool is notable because of the hugely detailed biographical information of Major General Thomas Colby who died in 1852. He was a major-general and director of the Ordnance Survey. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_...
A large grey granit obelisk with detailed inscription. Detail of the inscription on the obelisk reads: Sacred to the memory of Major General Colby R.E. of Pant y Deri Pembrokeshire His powerful mind and superior scientific attainments were successfully devoted to that great work with which his name will ever be associated the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain and Ireland the charge of which was confided to him by the Duke of Wellington nor was it by this illustrious individual alone his abilities were acknowledged He was known and valued by most of the distinguished men of his time Was a member of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh of the Royal Irish Academy and of other learned bodies. The inscription continues: A Knight of Denmark and an honorary L.L.D. of the University of Aberdeen Born at Rochester September 1st 1784 he died suddenly at New Brighton near Liverpool October 2nd 1852 Leaving a widow and seven children to mourn their irreparable loss.
October 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 15 - Damaged: This stone is on display at the Museum of Liverpool. It once stood in St Paul's Churchyard (demolished in 1931). The remaining inscription commemorates Roger Roberts d.1799, Ann Malbon d.1833, and John Malbon d.1844.
A broken slate gravestone in a display case in a museum. A flip book shows photos of both sides of the stone and the location of St Paul's church along with a contemporary image.
October 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 14 - Inside: Inside some of Liverpool's C19th crypts - St Anthony's, St Anne's, and St John the Evangelist. A book chapter on them is in progress!
A long arched brick hallway. In the foreground it is possible to see bricked up loculi on either side. A vaulted crypt passageway with a memorial on the far wall. Two entrances to vaults are bricked up on either side. A large iron door in the centre of a large bricked up archway.
October 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 13 - Skeleton: How could I resist this guy?! 💀 Commemorating Edward Davies d.1747/8 aged 70 years at Copp's Hill Burying Ground, #Boston. The double year is due to the shift from the Julian to Gregorian calendar.
Memento mori symbolism at the top of a gravestone. On the left is a winged hourglass, on the right is a skeleton with scythe, sitting astride a larger skull. These symbols are at the top of a slate headstone with curved top.
October 13, 2025 at 7:45 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
#31DaysOfGraves Day 12 - Notable woman: Marie Laveau "The Voodoo Queen" was a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Voodoo, an herbalist, and a midwife who was renowned in New Orleans [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Laveau]. She is believed to be buried in this tomb at St Louis Cemetery No.1.
A limewashed brick tomb in poor condition. It has many inscribed and painted X marks in the plaster, in accordance with a tradition that says doing so would allow Marie Laveau to grant a wish.
October 12, 2025 at 8:34 AM
annaandthedead.bsky.social
I put my genealogist friend on the case and she’s found this info!
A screen shot showing that John Story was enlisted in 1862 in Connecticut A screenshot showing that John story was a union solder and died in October 1864 A monument at the National Cemetery in New Bern, NC erected in honor of the men of Connecticut who died at Kinston and New Bern. The text alongside reads: Above: A small portion of the left side of this flag has been folded over so the viewer can see at least a small part of the reverse side. At some time during it's history, silk ribbons were sewn to the reverse side to strengthen the painted canton. The ribbons are now in a fragile condition. As they left Washington, NC, Harland's Brigade, which included the 15* CVI, dismantled the fortifications and burned the government buildings. Angered by the capture of the 16" CVI, they were over zealous in destroying anything that could be used by Hoke. During the late summer of 1864 the 15th fought yellow fever in New Bern. They were on provost guard duty during the worst of the epidemic and according to one report, they lost 47 men to the disease. They helped with all kinds of jobs in the city, including burials. Finally, after two months, those who were still well were relieved of duty in the city. Many of the men of the 15 are still buried in the National Cemetery in New Bern.
October 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM