In Search of Gravestones Old and Curious

by W. T. Vincent

FIG. 22.—AT SHOREHAM.

"The children of Thomas and Jane Stringer,

died Sept'r 1754, aged 10 and 7 years."

In Lewisham Churchyard is one of the death's head series almost sui generis.

FIG. 23.—AT LEWISHAM.

"To Richard Evens, died May 18, 1707, aged

67 years."

The chaplet of bay-leaves or laurel doubtless indicates "Victory." Not only is this an early and well-accomplished effort, but it is remarkable for the presence of a lower jaw, which is seldom seen on a gravestone. The skull turned up by the sexton is usually the typical object, and to that we may presume the nether jaw is not often attached. It is found, however, on a headstone of a somewhat weak design in Old Hornsey Churchyard.