Stoke-on-Trent - photo of the week


contents: 2008 photos


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the winged Angel of death

the winged Angel of death
photos: Steve Birks - June 2008

The headstone of Herbert Stansfield in the grounds of the
grounds of Church of St. Peter Ad Vincula, Stoke.

 

Location of the Headstone of Herbert Stansfield
Location of the Headstone of Herbert Stansfield
in St. Peter's Church Yard

This headstone commemorates Herbert Stanfield who died in 1799. The inscription is surrounded by allegorical figures and emblems of freemasonary.


Headstone of Herbert Stansfield showing the Masonic Symbols
Headstone of Herbert Stansfield showing the Masonic Symbols

 



"Time and Death shall
be no more"


To the left is the winged Angel of death with the sands of time and a scythe standing on a skeleton - the skeleton seems to be trying to fight off the angel.

To the right are three winged creatures - the faces of each off them has been broken off

"Free Masons Arms"
"Free Masons Arms"

the beehive, symbolic of systematized industry and meaning that what one may not be able to accomplish alone may be easily performed when all work together at one task.
 

One of Masonic principal symbols is the square and compasses, tools of the trade, so arranged as to form a quadrilateral. The square is sometimes said to represent matter, and the compasses spirit or mind. The compass is an ancient symbol of spirituality and spiritual creativity. Some medieval paintings show God creating the Universe with compasses.
 

To the Memory of
HERBERT STANDSFIELD Late of Middlewich
who died January 17th 1799  Aged 64 Years

"Time was I stood as thou doth now
To view the Dead as thou doth me
In time thoul lie as low as I
And others stand and look on thee"

on St. Peters

summary of all listed buildings in St. Peters grounds