Archaeologists have finally solved the mystery behind the oldest tombstone in the US, which belonged to an English knight, shedding light on trade routes linked to colonial America. The tombstone, made of black limestone, was set up in 1627 in Jamestown, Virginia – the first permanent English settlement in America. While it was known that the tombstone belonged to a knight, its exact origin in Europe remained unclear.
A new study, published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, analysed the carvings and inlays on the tombstone to trace its origins. The scientists discovered a carved depression that likely held brass inlays of a shield, an unfurled scroll, and an armoured man. Through historical records and comparisons with a tombstone commissioned by Sir George Yeardley’s step-grandson in the 1680s, researchers deduced that the 1627 tombstone belonged to Sir George Yeardley.
Sir George Yeardley, born in Southwark, England, in 1588, arrived in Jamestown in 1610 after surviving a shipwreck near Bermuda. Knighted by King James I in 1617, he returned to Jamestown in 1621 and passed away in 1627. Analysis of fossil microbes found on the tombstone suggested its likely origin in Belgium, known for being a common source of the type of limestone rock used.
The study revealed that the tombstone was imported from Europe, likely quarried and cut in Belgium before being shipped to London for carving and installation of brass inlays, and finally transported to Jamestown. The findings highlight the extensive trade networks that connected Europe and colonial America during that period.
Black limestone stones like the knight’s tombstone were highly sought after and expensive in Europe at the time. The study noted that successful Virginia colonists, familiar with English fashions, attempted to replicate them in the colonies. This research showcases the efforts of early colonists to commemorate themselves, even during challenging times in the history of the American colonies.
The discoveries made by archaeologists provide valuable insights into the historical connections between Europe and Jamestown, offering a deeper understanding of the colonial era. The study not only unravels the mysteries surrounding the oldest tombstone in the US but also underscores the significance of trade and cultural influences during that period.