MEMBERS of the Winchester Group of the Hampshire Genealogical Society were enthralled when Clive Colpus recounted his experiences over 25 years as the society's director of fieldwork.
During that time he has been responsible for the recording of details of over 135,000 monumental inscriptions in the churchyards and cemeteries of Hampshire.
The gravestones record dates from 1660 to the present day and include many famous people. Among them are Field Marshall Montgomery, former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, author Jane Austen, spy Guy Burgess, nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale and actor Sir Donald Wolfit. There are also some curious and amusing epitaphs, some of which are in rhyme, such as those of publican John Buckett at Stockbridge and Thomas Thetcher at Winchester Cathedral who died through drinking "small beer when hot".
Mr Colpus said that tombstones often contain additional information not shown on birth certificates and are invaluable to family historians.
Transcripts are deposited at appropriate record offices in Winchester, Southampton or Portsmouth.
Copies are also given to the incumbent of the church concerned.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article