|
Abbreviations used when recording Monumental Inscriptions |
|
When recording inscriptions in the field, it can be a little daunting to have to literally write down everything on every stone in the graveyard. There are three schools of thought:
- Record just the basic details
- Record everything in full
- Record using abbreviations
The same goes for your final printed record. Most people consider option 1 out of the question, because if a record is worth keeping, then it should include everything on the gravestone.
There can be advantages and disadvantages in using abbreviations.
It takes less space in the final publication if it is to be a printed one, and therefore take up less pages.
It can be faster to make records in the field once you are used to the abbreviations.
It can make the reading of a final document somewhat difficult.
Another consideration here is if you are using a word processor (such as Microsoft Word) to write down the records, where you can turn on the auto-correct feature, and type ILMO and it automatically re-types it in full for you! "In Loving Memory of". It can save a lot of typing!
The following list of abbreviations is suggested as a standard:
| a |
above |
| a60y |
aged 60 years |
| a5m |
aged 5 months |
| an |
above named |
| ata(n) |
also the above (named) |
| b |
beloved |
| b(d)o |
beloved (daughter etc.) of |
| (b) |
brother |
| b |
born |
| (d) |
daughter |
| D |
died |
| eir |
entered into rest |
| (f) |
father |
| (h) |
husband |
| IAMO |
In Affectionate Memory Of |
| ICMO |
In Cherished Memory Of |
| IDMO |
In Dear Memory Of |
| IELMO |
In Ever Loving Memory Of |
| ILMO |
In Loving Memory Of |
| IRO |
In Remembrance Of |
| KIA |
Killed In Action |
| (m) |
mother |
| o |
of |
| ota(n) |
of the above (named) |
| (s) |
son |
| STMO |
Sacred to the Memory Of |
| tb(d)o |
the beloved (daughter etc.) of |
| TMO |
Treasured Memories Of |
| TTDMO |
To the Dear Memory Of |
| wd |
who died |
| wdin |
who died in infancy |
| wdtl |
who departed this life |
| wdw |
widow |
| wf |
wife |
| wfa |
who fell asleep |
| wpa |
who passed away |
/ - indicates the end of a line of inscription
The finished article looks a bit odd but it is quite effective, here is a sample from St. Edith's, Shocklach, Cheshire...
Headstone (Large upright):
IARO / SARAH CHALLONER / of Shocklach / wd May 19th 1893 / a79y / Also
GEORGE (s)ota / JAMES & SARAH CHALLONER / wd March 16th 1895 / a41y /
Also
ta JAMES CHALLONER / wd October 30th (?) 1895 / a84y / Thy will be done.
Of course you have to use your head a bit. IARO is not in the list of abbreviations but it doesn't take much to work out that it means "In affectionate remembrance of."
|
Go to top of page