Town of Bristol

The Sarah Swan Tombstone

The Sarah Swan Tombstone, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a historic and intriguing gravestone that has captured the interest of many visitors and historians alike. This gravestone, dating back to the late 18th century, marks the final resting place of Sarah Swan. What makes this tombstone particularly remarkable is its unique design, which includes a detailed carving of Sarah Swan's likeness on the stone's surface. This style of gravestone carving was somewhat uncommon for the time, making it a distinctive and artistic representation of the deceased.
The stone is considered one of the most “famous” in New England gravestone history because of its unusual and ornamental carving. Sarah Swan died at the age of 20 in 1767, and her gravestone was designed by her cousin, William Coye. It was “sensational” because it depicted an Adam and Eve scene at the top, and at that time, Christian imagery wasn’t normally used on gravestones. The intricate carving on the tombstone includes a portrayal of Sarah Swan as a young woman with flowing hair and a detailed gown. This carving style, known as "portrait gravestones," was relatively rare during this era, making the Sarah Swan Tombstone a notable example of the period's funerary art.

The Bristol Historical and Preservation Society began to worry about this stone being stolen or damaged and thus began a process to bring the stone inside for its protection. As it didn’t feel right not to replace the stone at its location in the East Burial Ground, the Society looked for someone who could make a replica. In 2003, the replica was made and the original was brought inside for permanent display. Today, the Sarah Swan Tombstone is a significant historical and artistic artifact, attracting visitors interested in gravestone art and local history. It is housed at the Society museum as a reminder of the individuals who lived in Bristol during the late 18th century and the artistic expressions of mourning and remembrance that were prevalent in the region during that time.

Bristol Historical and Preservation Society

Town of Bristol

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about The Sarah Swan Tombstone

The remarkable gravestone was carved by the young cousin of Sarah Swan, whose name was William Coye. William was only 14 years old at the time he created this intricately detailed tombstone in 1783.

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The Sarah Swan Tombstone

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about The Sarah Swan Tombstone

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