'Falling' Angel at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
The precarious position of this gravestone is caused by natural ground movements in the grave below. As the body and casket break down the grave can sink, causing many gravestones and monuments to topple. At the moment this gravestone is considered safe, once it becomes unsafe it will be removed from its footings and placed across the grave. This is to prevent damage to the stone and/or injury to cemetery visitors.
Below is an example of a gravestone that has been placed across a grave for safety reasons.
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It's quite atmospheric when they tilt like that, but I wish they'd put them back up if they fall or become unstable - too costly I guess.
ReplyDeleteI think cost has a lot to do with it and red tape as well.
DeleteIn my local churchyard one of the old headstones had suffered frost damage and broke as some one walked past falling on their leg. it caused them some pain and problems for some time.
ReplyDeleteThis explains why so many markers are laid across the graves. I thought it was neglect. I also wish they'd stand them back up.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! That first photo is very striking --- I'm glad it's still upright (more or less). :)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that the first one is still standing (more or less). :)
ReplyDeleteThis one does look to be at a rather scary angle!
ReplyDeleteI think the family need to be involved when stones are repaired, so that could also be a reason for simply laying them down when they become dangerous.
Somehow I don't mind it when simple markers are laid flat, but it seems a shame when a striking carving, such as this one, is also taken down and laid flat
ReplyDeleteI have only just discovered this meme! But I have now added a link here on my Meme-Aholics blog for you!
ReplyDelete