“To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace.” - Oscar Wilde
Monday, January 3, 2011
Mystery Monday: Monument restored for a mysterious young professor
Although it may be the case that cemetery committees quite simply want their hard work recognized, I find the practice of placing restoration signage on grave markers to be a curious one. This beautiful cross, which combines both Celtic and Christian symbols, is one of those recently restored through the ongoing programme of restoration at Glasnevin Cemetery.
The life details of the man interred within this grave are somewhat of a mystery. Although there is a page reference for Professor Leamington Arnold in O'Duffy's book Historic Graves in Glasnevin Cemetery, the only information on the page is as follows, "Arnold died on the 21st February, 1896, in his 37th year.".
If we look at the grave marker we learn that he was married to Lizzie, his beloved wife, and based on his age at death, we can surmise that he was born around the year 1859. O'Duffy gives Arnold's title as Professor, but beyond that says nothing. More research will be required to learn more of the young professor.
*Click on Photographs to view larger version.
All Photographs ©Copyright J. Geraghty-Gorman 2011.
Reference:
O'Duffy, R.J.. Historic Graves in Glasnevin Cemetery, James Duffy and Company Limited, Dublin, 1915.