CURIOUS EPITAPHS

OLD SCARLETT, THE PETERBOROUGH SEXTON.

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PRINTED BY
CHARLES HENRY BARNWELL, HULL.

TO
WILLIAM, DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE, K.G.,
ETC., ETC.,
THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
HIS GRACE’S KIND PERMISSION,
AS A TOKEN OF GRATITUDE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND
FAVOURS BESTOWED
WHEN THEY WERE MOST NEEDED.
W. A.

Preface.

For many years I have collected curious epitaphs, and in this volume Ioffer the result of my gleanings. An attempt is herein made to furnish abook, not compiled from previously published works, but a collection ofcurious inscriptions copied from gravestones. Some of the chapters haveappeared under my name in Chambers’s Journal, Illustrated Sporting andDramatic News, Newcastle Courant, People’s Journal, (Dundee), PressNews, and other publications. I have included a Bibliography of Epitaphs,believing that it will be useful to those who desire to obtain moreinformation on the subject than is presented here. I have not seen anyother bibliography of this class of literature, and as a first attempt itmust be incomplete. In compiling it I have had the efficient aid of Mr. W.G. B. Page, of the Hull Subscription Library, who has also prepared theIndex.

I must tender my thanks to the following friends for their valuedassistance: Mrs. Geo. Linnæus Banks, author of the “Manchester Man,” Mr.W. G. Fretton, F.S.A., Mr. Walter Hamilton, F.R.G.S., Mr. Jno. H. Leggott,F.R.H.S., Rev. R. V. Taylor, B.A., Mr. H. Vickery, and others whose namesappear in the following pages.

In conclusion, I hope that this book will merit from readers and reviewersa similar welcome to that granted to my former works; in that case I shallhave every reason to be satisfied with my pleasant labour.

WILLIAM ANDREWS.

Hull Literary Club,
October 1st, 1883.

Contents.