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Abbreviations used when recording Monumental Inscriptions

When recording inscriptions in the field, it can be a little daunting to have to literally write down everything on every stone in the graveyard. There are three schools of thought:

1  record just the basic details
2  record everything in full
3  record using abbreviations

The same goes for your final printed record. Most people consider option 1 out of the question, because if a record is worth keeping, then it should include everything on the gravestone.

There can be advantages and disadvantages in using abbreviations.

It takes less space in the final publication if it is to be a printed one, and therefore take up less pages.
It can be faster to make records in the field once you are used to the abbreviations.
It can make the reading of a final document somewhat difficult.

Another consideration here is if you are using a word processor (such as Microsoft Word) to write down the records,  where you can turn on the auto-correct feature, and type ILMO and it automatically re-types it in full for you! "In Loving Memory of". It can save a lot of typing!

The following list of abbreviations is suggested as a standard:

From Richard : Richtea@aol.com

a	above
a60y	aged 60 years
a5m	aged 5 months
an	above named
ata(n)	also the above (named)
b	beloved
b(d)o	beloved (daughter etc.) of
(b)	brother
B	born
(d)	daughter
D	died
eir	entered into rest
(f)	father
(h)	husband
IAMO	In Affectionate Memory Of
ICMO	In Cherished Memory Of
IDMO	In Dear Memory Of
IELMO	In Ever Loving Memory Of
ILMO	In Loving Memory Of
IRO	In Remembrance Of
KIA	Killed In Action
(m)	mother
o	of
ota(n)	of the above (named)
(s)	son
STMO	Sacred to the Memory Of
tb(d)o	the beloved (daughter etc.) of
TMO	Treasured Memories Of
TTDMO	To the Dear Memory Of
wd	who died
wdin	who died in infancy
wdtl	who departed this life
wdw	widow
wf	wife
wfa	who fell asleep
wpa	who passed away

/ - indicates the end of a line of inscription

The finished article looks a bit odd but it is quite effective, here is a sample from St. Edith's, Shocklach, Cheshire

2. Headstone (Large upright)

IARO / SARAH CHALLONER / of Shocklach / wd May 19th 1893 / a79y / Also

GEORGE (s)ota / JAMES & SARAH CHALLONER / wd March 16th 1895 / a41y / Also

ta JAMES CHALLONER / wd October 30th (?) 1895 / a84y / Thy will be done.

Of course you have to use your head a bit. IARO is not in the list of abbreviations but it doesn't take much to work out that it means "In affectionate remembrance of".

Richard

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