Francis Harley, Surgeon

Francis Harley, Surgeon

This is a stone from the graveyard at All Saints Church, Rempstone, Nottinghamshire. Francis Harley died in 1849 aged 54. The stone was erected at the joint expense of surviving relatives and "the brethren of the loyal Rushcliffe Lodge".

Hear O ye living! cast a serious eye:

Review my tomb, and learn what 'tis to die,

For ere to morrow's burning sun may shine

"The monster death" may lay your heads like mine.

On Life's great stage I heard his dread command

And sank beneath his pale destroying hand:

Nor can the most robust escape the blow

For all must die, and things eternal know!

At the top of the stone is a collection of symbols. the shield is the Oddfellows Coat of Arms.The hourglass represents mortality and the passing of time. The crossed keys represent the keys to heaven, as held by St. Peter, or more specific to the order, knowledge and security. The beehive is often used by Masonic groups and symbolizes human industry, faith, education and domestic virtues. The lamb is symbolic of innocence and purity.

The hand holding the heart is another Masonic symbol, which symbolizes charity. The globe on which it sits represents the pleasures of the world and is often depicted being offered by Death to the deceased.

Amicitia, amor et veritas is the motto written below the symbols and it means friendship, love and truth.