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The Churchyard Monumental Inscriptions project for the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Lynsted, Kent, was completed in the Autumn of 2009. Visit the web-based records.
The Monumental Inscriptions Working Group completed its survey in October 2009. The next stage is to transfer that data into an A5 booklet of text that will be available for personal retention at a modest charge to cover the cost of printing and postage. It is also the intention that an archive version will be lodged in the Church for use by visitors, which includes the inscription data in A4 format together with corresponding photographs. We shall also publish on this web site once all production, proof-reading and photographic recording is complete. [Last updated 26th October]
Background
First formed after our training event (5th May 2007) Members were invited to join a group to build a record of monumental inscriptions in Lynsted churchyard before they deteriorate even further. With over half the 182 gravestones catalogued before the winter month, there is still much to be done in 2008 with the warmer weather. It is our wish to record for posterity the inscriptions on the graveyard stones at the Church of SS Peter and Paul in Lynsted.
We hope during 2008 to record the remaining stones, re-assessing the ‘difficult’, badly weathered ones, preparing a map of the graveyard - and publication.
Norma and Bob Baxter thought it would be a good idea to have a session ‘on site’ to launch the 2008 programme (17th May), compare notes and experiences on methods - and welcome members who would like to help with this fascinating project. The techniques are fairly simple, and these can be demonstrated at the session. There is a danger of damaging the very lettering one is attempting to decipher, however, so basic methods need to be understood. Anyone interested in joining one of our recording teams, helping in other ways, offering suggestions, or is simply curious, would be warmly welcome to join us. Equipment will be provided.
On 5th May 2007, Margaret Burns, of the Kent Family History Society, led a fascinating two hour presentation that included a walk around the graveyard to see examples of problems we will face and techniques to unravel the more difficult inscriptions. There is a wide range of stones, ages and inscriptions; the stones are still (as yet) in family groups, though many are in an advanced state of decay. These Monuments and inscriptions are a priceless record of local history and it is important that they are recorded for the future. This permanent record would be available to all, in perpetuity.
Here is a short report on the training presentation and some Practical Hints offered by Margaret Burns. Memorials inside the church can be seen here.
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