The angel appears to be holding something - possibly a sand-timer, or could it be a scales? To the right of the skeleton's head is a scythe - symbol of both death and time.
Are the two figures fighting? Or is the angel raising the skeleton?
I'd be intrigued to know the story, and will return to the Church of St James at Audley - which opens on Fridays - to find out more from the church-warden.
If you want to take a look, the grave is on the north side of the church, and Thomas & Ann Mellor are buried there.
This post has been featured on Taphophile Tragics (the cemetery-enthusiasts' website)
The Angel is Time himself and the hourglass represents the occupants live. It has come to an end so Time has come to claim it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carving, fabulous find.
I run a weekly cemetery link up on Sundays
Thnaks! That's very helpful.
DeleteBy pure coincidence, I saw a picture of a similar carving - one that is in better condition - and it's now clear to me that the horizontal length (or rod) that they are both hanging on to is an arrow.
Why an arrow? Do you know?
Ooooh.... this is quite cool!! I've never seen so much detail going on --- what a find!!
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