Strange epitaph in Heysham village

westendlass · 15-07-2013, 18:43

Does anyone know anything about a grave in St Peters churchyard in Heysham Village with the epitaph Sarah Hannah Jones, Poet, Philosopher and Failure. She died in 1909 aged 44. Caught my eye as it was such a strange thing to have on a gravestone from years ago. Somebody must have had a cracking sense of humour in those days. I can't find anything much on Google.

cashman · 15-07-2013, 21:06

Possibly Susie may have some idea, when she sees this?

Bob Dobson · 16-07-2013, 06:31

I will ask my Family History pals up there.

mobertol · 16-07-2013, 10:52

Perhaps she wanted that written herself -seems an odd thing for a family member to write especially as she is descibed as a loving wife. Perhaps she felt she had failed in her chosen professions of Poet and Philosopher...certainly a strange epitaph!

cashman · 16-07-2013, 10:58

Probably would not have got away wi n epitaph like that these days? certainly H.B.C. would object, I know that fer fact.

susie123 · 16-07-2013, 12:18

Yes I've seen that - always thought it referred to the poet and philosopher bit rather than the wife bit, as Dianne says. I know nothing more about it however. Heysham churchyard is such a lovely place, running right down to the sea at the bottom and with so many ancient artifacts, that I think the more modern things tend to get overlooked. I love going up to the top where the stone graves and the little monastery chapel are - so different from Morecambe where I live!

westendlass · 16-07-2013, 21:01

I visit the village a couple of times a year. It's a peaceful place and the churchyard and monastery graves carved in to the rock are fascinating. Sometimes there is someone from the church sat inside looking after it so next time I'm up there I'll ask them about the story behind the grave.

Bob Dobson · 17-07-2013, 09:04

Maybe it was this lady who coined the phrase "I've been down so long, it feels like up to me"

mobertol · 17-07-2013, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

Maybe it was this lady who coined the phrase "I've been down so long, it feels like up to me"

I think that might be a little too philosophical for her!

Given she was a failure at philosophising!

Bob Dobson · 17-07-2013, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol

I think that might be a little too philosophical for her!

Given she was a failure at philosophising!

She could have written " I was a poet, but folk didn't know it"

That would make me lacking in self-confidence . Hell fire, this is getting at me. I used to shrug my shoulders at being dis-regarded, but now I'm more philosophical about it.

mobertol · 18-07-2013, 12:13

I suspect she may have been "furrin" as all the inhabitants of Lankyshire are natural philosophers!

claytonx · 19-07-2013, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by westendlass

I visit the village a couple of times a year. It's a peaceful place and the churchyard and monastery graves carved in to the rock are fascinating. Sometimes there is someone from the church sat inside looking after it so next time I'm up there I'll ask them about the story behind the grave.

Use to be a very busy village before people went on cheap trips abroad. Coaches would stop off every day through the summer, there were stalls to buy trinkets and souvenirs and I can remember three cafes or restaurant one especially over looking the sea called Haggaths