What Are Monumental Inscriptions?

Monumental Inscriptions are of great value in researching family history.

Monumental Inscriptions are the inscriptions upon grave stones or tombstones.They record details of the deceased. Family burials are recorded on the  tombstone.  Inscriptions usually record the date of birth, names and relationships of individuals, date of death and sometimes additional details from the events in the deceased life. Occupations are also often recorded .

Family History societies and Monumental Inscription projects have produced books and CD's recording many Monumental Inscriptions from around the UK and Ireland.

Many areas such as Kirkcudbrighshire and Dumfries are well covered and the results of many years hard work in that area have been published by the Scottish Genealogy Society, 15 Victoria terrace, Edinburgh.

It is worth checking with  local history societies to see if your aea of interest has been covered and the results published.