Two pages are then given over to a select ecclesiastical chronology of the site. The first explores the impact of the cholera epidemic on Banagher in the 1830s, a short article recalls a poignant famine funeral in 1847 and then the story of the gradual closure of the burial ground between 18 is told in some detail. Three short articles then recall historical episodes in which the graveyard was prominent. A list of the placenames recorded is also given and while few of these were dramatically new, graveyard memorials are often overlooked as a source for toponymical studies. Minute features such as mirrored letters, ligatures and ampersands are explained and lucidly illustrated. The work of the stonecutter in general and then in particular in this graveyard, is well described and illustrated with images of the rich vernacular characteristics of many of the headstones. The first of these explains the reasoning behind the main title ‘Forgotten Souls’ and elaborates on the methodology of recording and describing the memorials. The lengthy introduction has ten short essays. The addition of a score of well-sourced historical images also helps to make the whole production an enjoyable read especially the colourful images highlighting the remarkable career of Captain William Bamford, an accomplished cartographer, draughtsman and watercolourist.įloriated cross on Stephen Gantly’s headstone. The twenty or so black and white photographs taken by Peter Pilkington, are outstanding, no more so than on the double spread devoted to the splendid box tombs of Anne and Mary Fox. The outstanding quality of the pictures, taken by Peter Pilkington, Eoghan Broderick and the author himself, greatly enhance the engaging text. A transcription and description of each monument is given accompanied, where possible, by clear photographs. This substantial volume includes a comprehensive survey of 182 memorials ranging in date from 1576 to 1918. The book is written by James Scully, a long-time student of Banagher’s history. The book has 192 pages, almost 400 photographs and historical images plus a collection of essays and short articles on eminent souls buried there and on aspects of the site’s ecclesiastical history. NEW BOOK ON SAINT RYNAGH’S OLD GRAVEYARD, BANAGHERĪn attractive new book on the history and memorials of Saint Rynagh’s Old Graveyard in Banagher has just been published.
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