Only 7 days to go......

The Symbols of Mortality Conference is delighted to welcome Dr Stephanie Holton as one of our speakers. Stephanie will be discussing the funerary symbolism of pinecones, with particular reference to the Romano-British period. www.lorraineevans.com/index.asp?pa...

Exploring the subject of mortality symbolism, in all its many guises, would not be complete without a nod to our furry companions. As such, we are delighted that Dr Lucja Lange will be joining the Symbols of Mortality Conference, next week, to discuss her work on pet memorials.

With less than 2 weeks to go before the Symbols of Mortality Conference opens its doors, speaker announcements will be coming thick and fast. I am delighted, therefore, to introduce Hollie Willis, who will be sharing her research on the Franklin expedition memorials....

Nuff said..... #death #archaeology #history #gothic #victorian #cemeteries #graveyard

#OnThisDay A year ago today, after many years of graft, the Symbols of Mortality exhibition opened in Orkney Museum. Can't believe it has been a year already. Big shout out to the wonderful Tom Muir and @storytellerfran.bsky.social Fran Flett Hollinrake for all their efforts in making it happen.

Pleased to announce that my good friend Fran Flett Hollinrake will be speaking at this years Symbols of Mortality Conference. Fran will be sharing the story of HMS Royal Oak, sunk by a German U-boat in 1939, and the memorial to those who were lost. @storytellerfran.bsky.social

Delighted to announce that Dr Dan O'Brien will be speaking at the up-coming Symbols of Mortality Conference. A well-known figure in the death studies field, Dan will be sharing his extensive knowledge on the subject of funeral invitations, in all their deathly glory.....

The countdown continues..... #death #conference #archaeology #history #victorian #gothic

💀Delighted to announce that the Symbols of Mortality Conference 2026 Programme is now live - link below💀 www.lorraineevans.com/index.asp?pa...

Yes, that's correct. Only 27 more days go until the deathly delights of the Symbols of Mortality conference opens its doors. Look out for the full programme tomorrow! #death #mementomori #history #archaeology #gothic #dark #victorian #egyptomania

With only a month to go before the inaugural Symbols of Mortality conference opens it doors, in the weeks leading up to Saturday 21st February we will be introducing our eclectic mix of speakers.

Yes, only 35 days to go before the inaugural Symbols of Mortality conference opens its online doors. Featuring the very best historians/archaeologists in their field, in my humble opinion, a full cornucopia of deathly related themes will be unleashed. Full programme available next week.

As another new year comes forth, it is often customary to reflect on the achievements of the old. However, as a storm rages outside my front door, both physically and metaphorically speaking, I simply want to wish you all a 2026 filled with fun, laughter, love and much peace. Happy New Year folks!

Well that's it folks. The 'office' is now closed, and I'm taking a much-needed break for the rest of this year. May I wish you all much joy and laughter over the festive season, with a special 'toast of bubbly' for those who find themselves alone. Much love to you all xx

Currently working on the new Symbols of Mortality Conference programme, which will be available in the New Year. Featuring talks by some of the very best researchers/historians in the death studies field, have you secured your FREE ticket yet? www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/symbols-of...

Struggling to find the perfect Xmas gift for that someone special in your life? Or maybe you have a wobbly table/chair that needs a little support? Either way, why not bag yourself a copy of my latest super duper paperback release. You know it makes sense. 💀🪦 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Burying-the-...

Oooooooo look. It's out! Thank you kindly Sheila for your support.

Apparently Burying The Dead was released in paperback form yesterday. You're welcome! 💀 @penandswordbooks.bsky.social #death #burial #burialground #graveyards #cemeteries #churchyards #archaeology #archaeologist #dark #victorian #gothic #symbolism www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Burying-the-...

Big shout out to the delightful Fran Flett Hollinrake for sending me a piccy of my BBC History Mag review, last night. I had no idea it had been published. Thanks Fran! 😀👍💀 #death #burial #deathhistory #graveyards #cemeteries #burialgrounds

BOO! Well, now I have your attention. Not too late to grab yourself a ticket folks to tonight's spooky talk by the lovely Lauren and the marvellous Michelle.....💀

Delighted to announce that tickets for the Symbols of Mortality Conference 2026 have now gone live. With a fascinating range of talks by some of the world's leading experts, why not grab yourself a FREE ticket and come and join us! 💀 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/symbols-of...

FINALLY getting around to de-framing, if there is such a word, February's Symbols of Mortality Exhibition. Exceptionally mind-numbing and very painful. Only 94 images/frames to contend with! 😳 Talking of Symbols of Mortality, some exciting news should be dropping tomorrow....😉

Apologies, but I am unable to receive private messages. To do so, Bluesky apparently requires facial recognition/credit card details from me. Bugger off Bluesky! Even my bank doesn't get that kind of information. So, feel free to contact me via the website: www.lorraineevans.com

Day 13: Skeleton #31daysofgraves Encompassing more Memento Mori then you can shake a stick at, I give you one of my all time favourite seventeenth century wall memorials, in a glorious pink hue, to be found in Kirkmichael Burial Ground, Resolis, Black Isle, commemorating one William Urquhart...💀

Day 11: Military #31daysofgraves I give you the final resting place of Vickers Wellington Bomber MF509, that crashed in Wales on 20 November 1944, killing all her Canadian crew. Three memorials now exist, two plaques and a new 2025 commemorative model added by @TedConingsby Lest We Forget 🙏

Day 10: Urn #31daysofgraves One of my favourite graveside accoutrements, the urn, which comes in many guises, from the classical urn carrier, as shown below in Kirkmichael Burial Ground, Resolis, to the 'plonky on top' additions (a technical term 😉) #cemetery #grave #death #archaeology #history

Well those lovely people over at Pen and Sword have a real treat for you.....a pre-paperback release goodie.... www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Burying-the-... @penandswordbooks.bsky.social #cemetery #burial #death #burialground #graveyard #archaeology #history #gothic #churchyard #graveyard #symbolism

Day 9: Hands #31daysofgraves From clasping hands to an angelic pointy finger, you can't really go wrong....💀😉 #graves #graveyard #cemetery #cemeterieandgraveyards #death #symbolism #archaeology #mortality #gravestone #Victorian #burialground #burial #hands

Day 7: Angels #31daysofgraves A variety of Scottish angels in all their glory..... #death #symbolism #cemetery #graveyards #cemeteries #burialground #archaeology #deathhistory

As the first full week of the 'spooky season' commences, it is always a good idea to listen to the stones......💀🪦 #mementomori #death #cemetery #graveyard #burialground #buryingthedead #mortalitysymbolism #symbolsofmortality #skull #skullandcrossbones

A plethora of peace doves flitting about Orkney....Day 5 #31daysofgraves

With my publisher moving the paperback release of Burying the Dead, to Halloween, (Yay!), I am now returning from a much-needed break away from it all. Thus, apologies if I have not answered any queries. Lots of exciting stuff to come. Watch this space! @penandswordbooks.bsky.social

Errrrrr......yes please! Donations to the 'I do really need this' fund gratefully received. 😁💀☠️ www.ebay.co.uk/itm/14678015... #skullandcrossbones #skulls #mementomori #death #eighteenthcentury #archaeology #deathhistory #dark

From horse burials to bed burials, from the great cemeteries at Uppsala, Sweden (Fig 1) to the remarkable boat burial of Oseberg, Norway (Fig. 2), Burying the Dead explores the many ways our ancestors interred their dead. @penandswordbooks.bsky.social #death #burial #cemetery #graveyard

It's the 1st September, which means the official countdown to the paperback release of Burying the Dead commences. As such, I will be regularly posting a series of death related goodies. Please do forgive my indulgence, as Covid affected the initial release. www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Burying-the-...

Would it be deemed improper to utilise parts of a Victorian cemetery collection as plant pot decorations? Asking for a friend..... #cemetery #Victorian #grave #iron #gardening #history #grave #victoriancemetery

Well that's the second book cover blurb plus images sent to the publisher. As a sneaky peak, I give you the splendid mausoleum of Sir Richard Burton, to be found in St Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, Mortlake, Surrey. #mementomori #grave #mausoleum #death #burial

Delighted to announce that Burying the Dead will be released in a paperback version this coming September. Yay! 😃 Pre-orders are now available via the Pen and Sword website, or why not treat yourself to the hardback version. @penandswordbooks.bsky.social www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Burying-the-...

So much has already been plundered, I am surprised that anything is left.... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Having only just returned to social media, plus having my Gmail account restored, I feel fortunate to have been informed/reminded, just in time, of the excellent ISSE conference happening this weekend. Not too late to book yourself a place folks..... www.issegyptomania.com/events

Delighted to say that Boneyards of Steel manuscript is now in the hands of my publisher. After a few hiccups, I made July's deadline by a full 37 minutes! Legs hurt, arms ache and my wrists are suffering the effects of 4 months of continual typing but hey ho, now moving on to contracted book No.2...

Back in a couple of days ❤️

Hello all. Apologies for going quiet. When one should have been capitalising on the triumph of the Symbols of Mortality exhibition, unfortunately I was forced to return to the Mainland for urgent hydrotherapy treatment on the spine and legs. Back home now, and busy writing Boneyards of Steel.....

BIG BOOK NEWS! I have been able to secure limited release of the special hardback copy of my new book HALLOWED GROUND in advance of the paperback release in May for 8 weeks ONLY. Dust jacketed with gold embossed black cover under Order now from www.thefolklorepodcast.com/store/p188/H... until May

For Pi Day here’s a bit about the history of funeral pie, served at funeral meals among Old Order Mennonite and Amish communities whatscookingamerica.net/history/pieh... 📷: @thepieous

A little more information regarding one of the Symbols of Mortality exhibits, expertly researched by the simply wonderful @storytellerfran.bsky.social #grave #funeral #cemetery #orkney #stmagnus #victorian #mourning

Now on offer at Pen and Sword. So far, one of my favourite books to research and write...... www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Life-of-...

And how are you spending your supposed relaxing Sunday morning Lorraine? Oh, you know, re-visiting the Ministry of Defence guidelines on excavating aircraft - as one does 😆 #archaeology #aviation #aircraft #WW2 #militaryaviation #history

Just a reminder… #InternationalWomensDay