The Hammermen

An 18th century gravestone in Old St Drostan's Kirkyard, New Aberdour embellished with a fine collection of mortality symbols. At the top a winged soul representing the soul leaving the body - also depicted are the dead bell which was rung at funerals, a coffin, crossed long bones, an hour glass and the gravedigger tools.

Beneath the winged soul is the emblem of the Hammermens Guild - an anvil, hammer and Crown. The hammermen included metal workers ranging from harness makers, and blacksmiths to silversmiths and cutlers.

The gravestone is that of John Culen whose dates are not given -but he was sometime a smith in  Auchmeden.