Memorial Inscriptions

Good local stonework at Saltoun

Memorial Inscriptions. The tombstones, memorial plaques, stained glass dedications, and all other inscriptions relating to deceased residents of Bolton and Saltoun have been carefully recorded within recent years, giving these parishes a record of the greatest value to genealogists and others. Much credit is due to Mr.Conrad Nystrom working (somewhat erratically, it must be said) in the 1980s, but particularly to Mrs.Alexandra Norton and Mrs.Julia Murphy for their careful, painstaking, and comprehensive surveys of, respectively, Bolton and of Saltoun churches and churchyards during the 1990s.

Mrs.Norton's book on Bolton, and Mrs.Murphy's book on Saltoun inscriptions are both held in the Local History Room at Haddington Library, and can be accessed there , taking full benefit of the many sketches and photographs included. (or email them at localhistory@eastlothian.gov.uk ). Both books however, are also held by me, as Session Clerk, and I will seek to answer all reasonable queries posted by e-mail to me . (Delete the word "cancelspam" in my email address before sending.)    All these records are now On-line here, however. It needs to be remembered, though, that the local stone is a soft carboniferous sandstone which does not weather well. Many older stones have impressive carvings, but quite indecipherable lettering. Others have simply disappeared over the centuries. Sic transit gloria mundi!

**Note:An index of names read from the Saltoun tombstone record appears here (p.55). Additionally work has been completed to put all the Memorial Inscriptions on-line. Follow the links from the Saltoun Tombstone page (p.55).

**Note:An index of names read from the Bolton tombstone record, appears here (p.56). Additionally work has been completed to put all the Memorial Inscriptions on-line. Follow the links from the Bolton Tombstone page (p.56).

**Note:It is not really any part of this site's remit, but I also hold a copy of the memorial inscriptions of Pencaitland parish churchyard, carried out by my wife and myself in 1969. These MIs are newly on-line (click here for them.) (p.12). An Index to Names is also present.

In addition I have some small information on the Hamilton family in East Lothian from about 1650 to 1880, based on OPR summaries, census records, and tombstones. These last do not include records of the Lords, Lairds and Gentry, but devote themselves to the agricultural workers (aglabs), artisans and assorted paupers who comprise my Hamilton ancestors in these parts. If I can help any Hamilton cousins out there by e-mail, I will.)

An interesting link (to the Jill Clark site) can be found by clicking here  Another useful local link is the Prestonkirk (East Linton) Church Site. Now that Prestonkirk and Stenton and Whittingehame churches are all united, the new parish is called "Traprain", but the Memorial Inscriptions so fully detailed in this site relate only to Prestonkirk and to Whittingehame, where Burial Ground Surveys have been carried out. Try here

And there is also the website of St.Mary's Church in Haddington, which also offers useful genealogical information in its graveyard records, among much else of interest. Try here

Also in Haddington (just down the road) is Haddington West Church, also with an interesting website. Try here

HOME PAGE........LEAVE TOMBSTONE RECORDS AND GO TO NEXT PAGE