Ledger Stone

By Crusader1307

A ‘’Ledger Stone’’ is a type of Funerary Art, common in Europe around the mid to late Middle Ages. These were flat granite stones, used to mark the ‘’resting place’’ of a Noble, Royal or ‘’important’’ Person. The primary difference with Ledger Stones, was that an actual body need NOT be buried underneath. The purpose of The Stone was to ‘’memorialize’’ the Personal History and Achievements of The Deceased. Ledger Stones were particularly useful during many of The European Crusades into The Middle East, when often physical remains were NOT recovered. As such, Families or Communities could memorialize Them. Ledger Stones were often very intricately carved with entire narrative of The Life of The Deceased. Other than a Coat of Arms or Crest – no other form of Adornment or Statuary were attached. Ledger Stones would be adopted (especially in Churches and Cathedrals), throughout most of Europe, and even be ‘’transferred’’ to The New World, with European Colonization. Although having fallen ‘’out of fashion’’ (today) because of cost, some Nobility (Titled) – still use Ledger Stones, providing They are ‘’officially listed’’ in a Roll of Honor for Nobility.