Taphophilia is an interest in and enjoyment of cemeteries and the gravestones found there. For me the wildlife that is often present even in city centre cemeteries, and the mix of trees and plants is a major part of it too. All the gravestones tell a story, some more obviously than others, and a little research can often uncover some fascinating and forgotten local history. Many are covered in symbols as well as writing, and sometimes just reading the weathered stones can be a challenge.
There are several memes dedicated to this subject and although not active at present Taphophile Tragics is warmly recommended
Taking part in ABC Wednesday
Behind a block of flats I found a small memorial garden on the site of an old Quaker burial ground. John Woolman (1720 – 1772) was an American Quaker preacher who travelled the Old and New Worlds speaking out against slavery and the slave trade, cruelty to animals, economic injustices and oppression, and conscription. You can read more about his life here
He died from smallpox whilst visiting York four years before America gained her independence. The plain headstone with the month refered to by number rather than name is typically Quaker. Perhaps he was preaching or visiting Friends in York where the Quakers have a long tradition of involvement in the social equality movement.
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