Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

This is a Victorian-era headstone at the Gala Aisle burial ground, a graveyard which dates from the 17th Century, the original site of the first parish kirk (church) in Galashiels. The “Aisle” was built in 1636 by the local laird as a family burial vault. The surrounding cemetery features graves from the 1600s – 1800s. This particular tombstone features beautiful gothic blackletter type with decorative flourishes carved by hand into the stone, along with simpler serif letters. Despite its age, the inscription has survived remarkably well and is still clearly legible.

Location

Scott Crescent, Galashiels, UK