| THE
HOUSEKEEPER'S GRAVE |
Elizabeth
Beal was married to John Beal, the Third Earl of Bellomont's Steward.
Elizabeth was to faithfully serve Bellomont as housekeeper for 30 years.
They obviously had a very close relationship, and she was buried next to
her Master's grave, which in those days was very unusual.
Elizabeth, who was 32 years younger than her Master, was no doubt
responsible for carrying out her Master's burial instructions, and would
have known of the items placed inside the coffin.
On her headstone is a very unusual motif depicting a pair of shaking
hands. Is this to denote 30 years of friendship and loyal service, or does
it denote that the deal is sealed, your secret is safe with me? Her
husband, John Beale's grave is nowhere to be seen. |
