Publication Info
Publication Details
Introduction
The inscriptions recorded here are those found within the boundary of the original kirkyard surrounding the church on three sides. Beyond the original walls the modern cemetery has developed by stages, and now also includes a section for commemorative plaques in memory of persons who have been cremated. The first extension seems to date from just prior to the first World War, and may merit separate recording at some point in the near future. Family ownership of plots within the precincts of the old graveyard has led to modern stones being recorded along with very old ones. The date of recording (Dec. 1984) meant that the lighting conditions proved useful for flat slabs, the shadows highlighting some very worn inscriptions and clarifying what previously was indistinguishable. Many slabs were found to be flaking, leaving gaps in the inscription. Very occasionally deeply incised letters have survived, allowing recognition of complete words by inference. Brackets have been used to indicate gaps in the record, and show words inferred rather than read. In no case were surnames assumed without positive evidence from elsewhere on the same stone. The Burial Register for this cemetery is in the hands of Aberdeen District Council and is held at St. Nicholas House, having been removed there in 1975 after local government reorganisation. G.Johnson. The Society is indebted to Mr Johnson for his work in Peterculter Churchyard. This means that an extra publication could appear and the Graveyard Gang’ s work will be finished that much sooner! Sheila M. Spiers. Mr and Mrs McHardy of the St Peter’s Heritage Trust in Peterculter continued the work of transcription and in 2006 the Society published the MIs of the first extension of the Cemetery of Peterculter (AA178 price £2. 25) They also revised Gordon Johnston’s work adding details of new stones and additional information on existing stones. This 2nd edition of The Kirkyard of Peterculter reflects that work. Archival information held by the St Peter’s Heritage Trust shows the original inscriptions relating to stones 104 and 105. Any details not now visible on the stones have been added to the transcription in italics. The plan in the centrefold includes the new stones (with the addition of ‘a’ to the number of the neighbouring stone). The index in this edition now also contains any surname which appeared as a middle name. Jean Shirer
Comments
Peterculter Old Kirkyard, naming 1079 individuals between 1673 and 1982
