Age is a relative value. One of my favourite films, LA Story includes a scene where Steve Martin’s character gives a guided tour of Los Angeles and comments proudly that some of the houses are “over twenty years old!” Compare that to the UK where there are many buildings that are centuries old. For today’s theme, ‘The Past’, I stopped off at St. Mary’s Church in the village of Lavant. As English churches go it’s a relative newcomer with large parts of it built in 1863, although other sections date back as far as the 12th century. On the footpath in the graveyard I noticed a wonderful spot of recycling where old gravestones have been reused to create paving stones. This stone evidently dates from the 18th century but sadly the person who laid it didn’t think to leave the engraving intact for curious folk in the future like me!

Great take on the theme....I also love the language used.... "Third day of May" LAZYWASP · 2011-04-27: 09:01

That is wild using old gravestones to pave the path. Really intriguing find and capture, Helen! You're right about the relativity of "oldness," None of the buildings in the US can compare in age to many of those in the UK! lookagain · 2011-04-27: 09:18

fantastic post Helen - what I wouldn't give for a taste of some of that fantastic history! McMommy · 2011-04-27: 09:52

Fascinating shot :) michibee · 2011-04-27: 13:27

An interesting case of recycling the past - what is also interesting is that the lady was only 35 when she died; today that would be considered quite young but perhaps in her day that was a good age to reach! busybee36 · 2011-04-27: 14:14

Nice shot. Rather sad that the gravestones are used like this with no descendants objecting to that. Lynda · 2011-04-27: 16:00

What an interesting find and great shot Helen. You really hunt out interesting things for us! BTW - how is my Lucy?? danrav · 2011-04-27: 18:37

At least the stones were useful and not totally dumped.I have an interest in gravestones..comes from having a very pleasant ,sunny,happy cemetery to walk around as a kid and an older brother with an interest in genealogy! elizzi · 2011-04-27: 18:45

Interesting capture well done on the find mystic1 · 2011-04-27: 21:55

very interesting camilleauteuil · 2011-04-28: 01:34

Very interesting! wildduck · 2011-04-28: 15:00

What a great idea! Beautiful in b/w Helen! liveandletlive · 2011-04-28: 21:54

great observation! and you are so right - age is a relative value:)) My daughter told me just recentlyabout someone: he is old, mom - already 35 or so! LOL Eiram · 2011-04-29: 08:26

Fantastic shot! pandka · 2011-04-30: 12:09

Tagged: mystic270411 ancient old past theme engraving stone paving