Gravestones recorded the trades of the deceased in 18th and 19th centuries

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

Families in the 18th and 19th centuries recorded the occupations of the deceased on their gravestones, sometimes pictorially.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was common for families to record the trade of the deceased on their gravestones. Some inscriptions simply stated the occupation, such as clockmaker or wool comb maker, while others displayed the tools of the trade pictorially.

Benjamin Muscroft, a gardener of Oakworth, had a spade, garden fork and rake carved on his stone. Samuel Tillotson of Silsden, a monumental mason, displayed his set square, dividers, hammer and chisels on his gravestone. These markers served as a lasting record of how the deceased had made their living.

How it is being reported

• Look back: When trades of the dead were recorded on their grave stonesby Robin LongbottomTelegraph & Argus · 16 Oct, 08:30
• Look back: When trades of the dead were recorded on their grave stonesby Robin LongbottomKeighley News · 16 Oct, 08:30

In this story: Benjamin Muscroft · Samuel Tillotson · Oakworth · Silsden

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