Throughout the Howff there can be found various symbols carved into the headstones, most
notable are some of those carved onto monuments of freemasons, one of which is shown below.
Others to be seen include :- Anchor and rope which has an obvious seafaring connection,
brewers tools including hook and sheaf. Gloves and scissors relating to the trade of a glover. A
large number of the symbols can be linked to the Nine Trades Organisation, more of which can
be read about in the history section.
One of the more notable stones is No 264 it is around 6ftX4ft in size, and rests upon pillars,
which bring it to around 3ft above ground level, sadly erosion is starting to break up its surface,
but you are still able to make out the shape of a couple arm in arm an interesting carving which
must have taken many hours and great skill to complete.
My favourite carving has got to be the skeleton which runs down the centre of stone No 600
and is shown opposite.
There are many stones which carry a skull and cross bones symbol. A common misconception
is that these graves are toxic and contain the remains of cholera victims this is certainly not the
case and is actually a symbol representing death.
Another set of symbols which denote the passage of time is the hour glass, and also a few
stones have father time depicted.
I have collected a few pictures together which show a few of the more interesting carvings and
can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnails below.
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