Friends,
Myths, Magic, Mayhem, and more…
We have already explored some of the best graveyards in the world- but now let’s walk into the cemetery, find the most unique monuments, and discover why we bury our loved ones the way we do.
Background
Tombstones, or markers for burial sites, have been found dating back to 3,000 B.C. However, it didn’t gain popularity until the mid-1600s, and then only among the middle and upper classes. As secular religion gained popularity, headstones became increasingly popular.
It is important to note that there is a difference between gravestones and headstones. Gravestones mark the grave site, while headstones honor the individual buried there. Often, a headstone is nowhere near the body, or the body was disposed of, such as by cremation, or was never found.
Another interesting fact is that vertical gravestones are not recommended to be erected until at least six months (or in some places, one year) after the burial, allowing the site to settle and harden. Place a gravestone too quickly, and it will sink or fall over.
Why are graves 6 feet deep? Good question- most aren’t. The saying’ 6 feet under’ dates back to the London Plague of 1665, when the mayor ordered that all graves be at least “6 feet deep” to stop the spread of disease. BUT, it is not the law. Most graves in the U.S. are only 4 feet deep, but some states only require 18 inches.
Unique Gravestones
William Shakespeare was famous, famous, famous. One of his biggest fears was that his grave would be disturbed, so he wrote his own curse to ensure eternal peace.
Good friend for Jesus sake forbear, / To dig the dust enclosed here. / Blessed be the man that spares these stones. And cursed be he that moves my bones.
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones was the father of the American Navy, best known for shouting, “I have not yet begun to fight! But did you know that the location of his body was unknown for over a century?
After the Revolutionary War, he joined the Russian Imperial Navy and retired in Paris, France. He died alone at 45 and was initially buried in the St. Louis Cemetery, which the French royal family owned. Four years later, the revolutionary government sold the property, and the cemetery was forgotten.
In 1905, General Horace Porter, the American Ambassador to France, took it upon himself to find the grave and bring John Paul Jones back home. Interestingly, his corpse was perfectly preserved. He had been wrapped in a winding cloth, placed in straw and alcohol, and buried in a sealed lead casket.
Jones was laid to rest at the Naval Academy Chapel on January 26, 1913. The 21-ton sarcophagus is surrounded by columns of black-and-white Royal Pyrenees marble, supported by bronze dolphins, and embellished with cast bronze garlands of sea plants.
Tom Thumb
Visitors will find a tiny grave marker bearing the name “Tom Thumb” in the village of Tattershall, in the Lincolnshire countryside.
Legend has it that Tom Thumb was only 18 inches tall and lived to a ripe old age of 101, dying in 1620.
It’s hard to say whether this is true because myth and reality have become intertwined in legend. Tom Thumb was a significant character in English folklore for centuries.
The character of Tom Thumb was first introduced in 1621 and is depicted as a canny, cunning boy who uses his size to trick foolish people. In these stories, it was common for Tom to be swallowed by humans and animals, including a cow, a salmon, a beggar, a giant, and even the King of England.
Thankfully, he always manages to escape in some very crude and disgusting ways.
Florence Ford
When Ellen Ford’s daughter, Florence, passed away at 10 from yellow fever, she asked that the grave be built with a small window and stairs leading down to the casket.
Florence had been afraid of thunderstorms, and her mother wanted to ensure she could comfort her even in death. So, she had the grave built with metal trap doors above the stairs, allowing her to visit.
Today, the grave remains virtually unchanged, although a concrete wall was added to block the view of the casket through the window to deter vandals.
Fernand Abelot
This is the grave of Fernand Abelot, and this has to be one of the creepiest gravestones I’ve ever seen.
Located in Père Lachaise Cemetery, this marker is a reflection of his dying wish… to stare at his wife’s face for eternity.
The epitaph reads: “They marveled at the beauty of the journey that brought them to the end of life.”
I can’t help but wonder- what did he do with the rest of the body?
So, there you go, just a few of the more amazing gravestones that I have found in my research. I would show you some more- but I have a gravestone to plan. The bar has been set high!
I joyfully await the exit- and I hope to never return.
Frida Kahlo
Until next time, Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.
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If you’re looking for your next favorite read, I invite you to check out my book, The Raven Society. This spellbinding historical fantasy series takes us on a heart-pounding journey through forgotten legends and distorted history. Uncover the chilling secrets of mythology and confront the horrifying truths that transformed myths into monstrous realities. How far will you go to learn the truth?
The Writer and The Librarian (Book 1):
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I don’t blame shakespeare for fearing his grave would be moved! There is alot of relocation going on in history!
You are truly amazing. You have awaken what I didn’t know was lost. I look forward to reading more.