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Millstone used as a headstone, All Saints' churchyard, Hertford (1)
The inscription on this stone is not altogether clear, though the name 'Robert Fincher' (or Finche), his age (85) and the date March 1777 can be made out with a bit of effort. My first guess was that Mr Fincher had been a miller - at one of the many watermills along the Lea valley. Luckily, his wife's grave is nearby - again marked by a millstone - and in her case the wording is much clearer http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3526211
Image: © Stefan Czapski
Taken: 23 Jun 2013
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Millstone used as a headstone, All Saints' churchyard, Hertford (2)
As best I can tell, the wording on this stone reads:
ELIZABETH
Wife of ROBERT FINCHE
Millwright died the 18th of
July 1764 Aged 60 Years
The graves of both Mrs Finche (or is it Fincher?) and her husband are marked by millstones. Robert outlived his wife by 13 years, so the decision to mark her grave in this way was in all likelihood his. My guess is that for him the millstone was simply an emblem of the family's trade - though he may have been complying with a family tradition. Could thrift have been a consideration? - why spend money on a stone when you've got plenty of old ones lying around in the yard?
For the stone marking Elizabeth's husband's grave, see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3526075
Does anyone know of other graves marked by millstones - either in Hertfordshire or elsewhere in the country?
Update, February 2016. I've just noticed this example in a Dorset village, geographed by Becky Williamson:
Image
Image: © Stefan Czapski
Taken: 23 Jun 2013
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Hertford: All Saints Church
Image: © Christopher Hilton
Taken: 26 Feb 2019
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Hertford: All Saints Church
It was late in the afternoon on a fine February day, and the tower of All Saints was catching the sunset light.
Image: © Christopher Hilton
Taken: 26 Feb 2019
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Tower of All Saints' Church, Hertford
As seen from the car park to the church hall.
Image: © Christine Matthews
Taken: 11 May 2012
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All Saints Church
Image: © Alex McGregor
Taken: 14 Jan 2013
0.03 miles
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Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) in All Saints' churchyard
Churchyards make good informal nature reserves, when not kept too tidy, and it was a pleasant surprise to find wild strawberries growing in an unmown part of this one (in urban Hertford). I have to add that there are people who consider these little berries a great delicacy, but I'm not one of them. I prefer the cultivated kind, warm when freshly picked on a sunny day.
For wild strawberries in flower, earlier in the season, see: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3494340
Image: © Stefan Czapski
Taken: 23 Jun 2013
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All Saints' church, Hertford
Image: © Dave Kelly
Taken: 27 Jan 2008
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View of the All Saints Church with St. John from Bull Plain
Looking south-southeast.
Image: © Robert Lamb
Taken: 3 May 2015
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Bayley Hall, Hertford
A splendid early Georgian house in red and grey brick, its facade framed by giant pilasters and embellished by a fine Tuscan doorcase. Grade II* listed.
At the time of the photo, which is uncertain, it was in commercial use, but I've no idea whether that is still the case.
Image: © Stephen Richards
Taken: Unknown
0.06 miles