Cemetery Faces

[Spod]

I know these aren't great photos and I know I could probably cheat and google the answer, but y'know....

As I couldn't sleep and it was damp and dark and foggy this morning I went for a walk in a cemetery, as you do. Disappointed by the lack of choreographed dance routines from the residents (they've no sense of occasion!), I couldn't help but notice the two chapels(?) had lots of little sculpted heads on them.

And not cheery, "we're going to meet Jesus, hallelujah" faces either.

Bit weird, anybody know - what gives?

[scrufftyguy]

Think they're used to keep chavs away aren't they!

[Spod]

Think they're used to keep chavs away aren't they!

Tiny heads with brains of stone, I think the chavs would feel comfortable with them!

[Marco]

Great pics - just my sort of thing, as I have rather macabre photographic sensibilities (and mindset)

Are they Gargoyles? I'm not an expert. However they also remind me of my favourite things to put in an old garden: statues of Griffins.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ve..._a_griffin.jpg

They're more than a little bizarre and quite spooky, especially covered with a touch of accumulated verdigris, but that's right up my street. Think 1970s Hammer House of Horror! Muhahahaha...

Marco.

[Spod]

Definitely not gargoyles, there were a few of them around in there as well.

These definitely seemed to be depictions of real people, tormented ones at that. But why? Seems bizarre.

Not exactly a low population cemetery either...

[Marco]

Man, you just know there's some twisted lunatic with an axe, or the grim reaper lurking somewhere in those shadows...

Marco.

[Spod]

Man, you just know there's some twisted lunatic with an axe

Naw, I just had a shovel and a crowbar.

[scrufftyguy]

Hi again, I always had them down as gargoyles too, and thought they're supposed to ward off evil spirits, but could be wrong. Maybe something to do with the stone masons (like a signature) or depictions of whoever put money into building the church?!

Great snaps by the way!

Ade

[Marco]

Having done some research, those dudes are most certainly gargoyles - observe:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargoyle

They're positioned on gutters (and the like) to dissipate water, as highlighted in Wiki:

In architecture, a gargoyle is a carved stone grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building.

Cool as f*ck - I love 'em!

Marco.

[Spectral Morn]

Definitely not gargoyles, there were a few of them around in there as well.

These definitely seemed to be depictions of real people, tormented ones at that. But why? Seems bizarre.

Not exactly a low population cemetery either...

I'll have to dig out the Garlic and stakes....urrrrrrrrrr wheres the Count ?