Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis is a magnificent cemetery with its first burial taking place in 1832. It has now upwards of 50,000 burials and is a magnificent cemetery to visit.

I was amazed at the amount of tourists in the cemetery who were enjoying photographing the various tombs, mausoleums and statues.  Below is a collection of my favourite cemetery photographs and I shall return to Glasgow Necropolis and Scotland as I’ve never seen such beautiful headstones anywhere else, yet!

Photographs of Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman
Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman

Glasgow Necropolis is situated upon a hill overlooking the city and the array of crosses, obelisks, tombs and statues is breath-taking.  

Below is a photograph showing the close up of a hand.  Most commonly found on Victorian graves, they often represent the deceased’s relationship with other human beings and God.

Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman
The Hand

The Dead Do Speak – Cemetery Hand Symbols

Index finger pointing up symbolises the hope of heaven

Index finger pointing down symbolises God reaching down for the soul and commonly representing a sudden death

Handshake/Clasped Hands is a very interesting symbol.  Firstly, look at the cuff to determine if the deceased is a male or female (frilly cuff).  The person who died first, symbolised by the right hand in a grasp with fingers overlapping the left hand, which is open, is guiding his/her spouse to Heaven.

A death head from Glasgow Necropolis
A death head from Glasgow Necropolis

A cherubs head with wings either side is a softer version of the skull and crossbones otherwise known as Death Heads.  Skull and crossbones was a common Memento Mori symbolising that death comes to us all.

Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman
Glasgow Necropolis
Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman
Glasgow Necropolis by Amanda Norman

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