The Iron Guardians of Scotland’s Graves: Uncovering the Mortsafe Mystery

Throughout Scotland, and even some parts of England, there are unusual iron cages or structures over graves in certain churchyards. These are known as mortsafes, and they were once a way to protect the deceased from body snatchers. They bring to mind a unique part of history when grave robbing was a common problem, especially in the early 1800s.

In this article, we’ll look at why mortsafes were created, how they were designed, and why they are rare in some areas. We’ll also explore different types of mortsafes and the reasons behind their specific designs.

What is a Mortsafe?

Mortsafes are iron frames or cages placed over graves, intended to protect newly buried bodies from being stolen by body snatchers. These devices were first used around 1816, crafted to secure a coffin and prevent anyone from digging it up. They were often made in the shape of the coffin itself, so they fit tightly and securely. This strong barrier would be placed over a grave right after burial.

The rise of mortsafes was largely due to the demand for cadavers by anatomy schools. At that time, body snatchers, often called “resurrection men,” dug up fresh graves to sell bodies for medical studies. Before mortsafes, other methods were attempted, but none were fully effective against the determination of grave robbers.

Early Anti-Body Snatching Methods

Before the invention of mortsafes, simpler methods were used to guard graves. One early solution was the “mortstone”—a heavy stone placed over the grave. However, body snatchers quickly found ways around it. They discovered that digging from the sides of the stone allowed them to pull the body out without lifting the heavy stone on top. Using ropes and hooks, they could pull the cadaver out through a small opening without disturbing the grave too much.

This approach worked well for them, making the mortstone an ineffective method of protection. It became clear that a stronger solution was needed to outsmart body snatchers.

The Creation of Mortsafes

The next step in grave protection was the mortsafe. It was an iron frame that could be secured over the coffin to prevent anyone from accessing the grave. Scotland was unique in using mortsafes, and because there was no standard design, each parish developed its own version. As a result, mortsafes from different areas vary widely in design and craftsmanship.

A popular mortsafe style had an iron frame that would be attached to a large stone, which was then embedded into the ground around the coffin. This “curtain” of iron created a strong barrier around the grave. Some of the best examples of this type of mortsafe can be found in Aberdeenshire, where several can still be seen today.

Types of Mortsafes

By around 1819 or 1820, two main styles of mortsafes became popular. Wealthy individuals often commissioned custom, decorative mortsafes, while simpler versions were rented out by parishes to those who needed them temporarily. Parish mortsafes were usually available for several weeks, which was generally long enough for a body to no longer be of interest to body snatchers.

Many parishes formed mortsafe societies, which allowed members to pay a small fee to use a mortsafe when a loved one passed. For around a shilling a day, people could rent a mortsafe to guard a fresh grave. Once enough time had passed and the body was no longer in danger of being stolen, the mortsafe was removed and used for someone else.

The Ayr Mortsafe

A well-preserved mortsafe can be found in Ayr. Dating back to 1816, it is displayed in the lych gate of Ayr church. This design has two parts that fit together, making it very secure. The lower part of this mortsafe has small holes around its edges for metal rods to be driven into the ground, providing extra stability. Similar mortsafes can be found in Linlithgow and Alloway Auld Kirk, although some have deteriorated over time.

Body Snatching Prevention in Bolton, East Lothian

One of the finest examples of a mortsafe is in Bolton, East Lothian. This mortsafe includes iron rods and specially designed nuts and bolts that require unique tools to unlock. The rods were driven into the ground, covering the sides of the coffin and making it almost impossible for body snatchers to get through. If a grave robber saw such a device, they would likely move on to an easier target.

Mortsafes at Glasgow Cathedral

In Glasgow Cathedral, there are many caged lairs, but only one mortsafe is known to remain. It was bought privately in 1849 to protect the remains of Maria Macaulay, reflecting the strong concerns her family had about grave robbing. Although the Anatomy Act of 1832 had lessened the need for body snatching by providing legal sources of cadavers for medical studies, the fear of body snatchers lingered for years afterward.

The “Iron Cages” at Logierait

In Logierait, Perth & Kinross, several mortsafes look like small cages. These mortsafes were built to cover individual graves and are now set in cement to preserve them. There are two adult mortsafes and one child mortsafe grouped together in this churchyard, near the church building. The appearance of these mortsafes together often evokes strong emotions, as they seem to represent a family that has been protected in death.

The Solid Iron Mortsafes at Aberfoyle

Another type of mortsafe is a solid iron cover that fits over the coffin rather than a cage. These are simpler than other designs but still provide a strong defense. Examples of this type can be found in various parts of Scotland, such as Colinton and Banchory-Devenick. The mortsafes at Aberfoyle are especially striking. These mortsafes have thick iron handles, indicating just how heavy they are. They would have been lowered onto the grave using hooks and chains for easy handling.

The End of Mortsafes

Mortsafes became unnecessary after the Anatomy Act of 1832, which regulated the use of cadavers for medical purposes and reduced the need for body snatching. By the mid-1850s, body snatching was no longer a major concern, and mortsafe societies began to disband. Many mortsafes were sold as scrap metal, while others were used to fund repairs for churchyards or parish clocks.

During World War II, a large number of mortsafes were recycled for their metal. The few remaining mortsafes are now relics, representing a dark chapter in history.

Researching Mortsafes

Many mortsafes are scattered across Scotland, each with its own story. Some of the best-known examples, such as those in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, have become famous, but others are lesser-known. The details of each mortsafe were often researched from local histories and archives.

Mortsafes remind us of a time when protecting the dead was a real concern. Today, they serve as historical artifacts that preserve this unique aspect of Scotland’s past, standing as symbols of the lengths communities went to in order to protect their loved ones, even after death.

FAQ: Mortsafes and Body Snatching in Scotland

1. What is a mortsafe?

A mortsafe is a metal cage or frame placed over a grave to protect the body from being stolen by body snatchers. These structures were typically made of iron and were used primarily in Scotland in the 1800s. They served as a deterrent against grave robbers, who often targeted fresh graves.

2. Why were mortsafes used?

Mortsafes were created to prevent the theft of newly buried bodies, which were sold to anatomy schools for medical dissection. This practice, known as body snatching, became common in the 18th and early 19th centuries because there was a high demand for cadavers, and legal supply was limited.

3. How did body snatching become a problem?

During the 1700s and early 1800s, medical schools needed cadavers for anatomical study. Since only executed criminals’ bodies were legally available for this purpose, grave robbers began stealing fresh bodies from cemeteries and selling them. This led to the widespread fear of body snatching in many communities.

4. How were mortsafes designed?

Mortsafes came in a variety of designs, but they generally fell into two main types:
– Iron cages or frames: These were placed over or around the coffin and secured into the ground.
– Solid iron sheaths: These slipped over the coffin like a protective lid and provided a barrier.
Each parish often created its own unique mortsafe style, as there was no standard design to follow.

5. Why are mortsafes mainly found in Scotland?

Scotland was particularly affected by body snatching due to its leading medical schools, which had a high demand for cadavers. In response, Scottish communities developed unique ways, including mortsafes, to protect their dead. Although there are some examples in England, mortsafes were especially common in Scottish graveyards.

6. How long would a mortsafe be used on a grave?

Mortsafes were typically left over graves for about six weeks. After that time, the body would be decomposed enough to be of no interest to body snatchers. Parish mortsafes were often reused for other graves after this period.

7. What are mortsafe societies?

Mortsafe societies were local groups formed by parishioners who paid a small fee to reserve a mortsafe when needed. Members of these societies could rent a mortsafe to protect a loved one’s grave, usually for a few weeks until the body was no longer at risk of being stolen.

8. Were mortsafes the only way to protect graves?

No, mortsafes were one of several methods. Other anti-body snatching methods included:
– Watchtowers and watch houses: Small buildings in cemeteries where guards could keep watch over graves.
– Mortstones: Heavy stones placed over graves to deter robbers, although these were often less effective.
– Caged lairs: Iron structures that covered entire grave plots, making it difficult for robbers to access the ground beneath.

9. What ended the practice of using mortsafes?

The Anatomy Act of 1832 provided legal access to bodies for medical study, ending the demand for stolen corpses. With this law in place, the threat of body snatching greatly diminished, and mortsafe societies began to disband.

10. What happened to mortsafes after they were no longer needed?

Many mortsafes were sold as scrap metal or used for other purposes within the churchyard, such as repairs. During World War II, some mortsafes were melted down for metal. Only a few mortsafes remain today and are preserved as historical artifacts.

11. Where can I see a mortsafe today?

Some notable examples of mortsafes can be found at:
– Ayr – An 1816 mortsafe at the lych gate of Ayr Church.
– Logierait, Perth & Kinross – A group of mortsafes set in cement near the church.
– Glasgow Cathedral – One remaining mortsafe, although the cathedral mostly has caged lairs.
– Bolton, East Lothian – A well-preserved mortsafe with iron rods and custom nuts and bolts for extra security.

12. What is the difference between a mortsafe and a caged lair?

A mortsafe was usually placed over individual graves, while a caged lair was a larger structure designed to cover a whole family plot. Caged lairs were often made of iron and were intended to provide long-term security for the entire plot.

13. Why did people fear body snatching so much?

The idea of a loved one’s grave being disturbed was deeply distressing. In that time, it was also believed that a person’s body should remain intact for the afterlife, so the idea of a body being stolen and dissected was horrifying. Mortsafes and other protective methods helped ease these fears.

14. Are mortsafes used anywhere today?

No, mortsafes are no longer used because body snatching is no longer a concern, especially with modern laws and practices governing medical cadavers. However, some remain preserved as a reminder of this unusual part of history.

15. Can I learn more about mortsafes and body snatching history?

Yes! Many resources are available, including books on Scottish history, articles, and local archives. Visiting Scottish churchyards with historical mortsafes, such as Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, can also offer a unique glimpse into the past.