America’s Oldest Tombstone – Made of Belgian Stone

Recent research shows that a 17th-century English Knight’s tombstone in America is made from black limestone brought over from Belgium

A surprising discovery in Jamestown

Jamestown, Virginia, founded in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in America, is a place of historical significance that has captivated archaeologists and historians for centuries. A recent archaeological discovery has unearthed an unexpected connection to Europe, more specifically Belgium. The research was led by Professor Markus M. Key and Rebecca K. Rossi, and published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. It revealed that America’s oldest tombstone (there were undoubtedly older ones by Native Americans, but they were probably made of wood and have not survived) dating back to 1627 was not only a symbol of colonial status but also an example of the far-reaching trade networks that connected the New World to Europe. Surprisingly, this tombstone originated from Belgium’s renowned black limestone quarries.

The enigmatic knight’s tombstone

For many years, historians were perplexed by an ornate knight’s tombstone found in Jamestown. Why would such a richly decorated stone tombstone, decorated in European style, be found in a colonial settlement?

The knight’s tombstone was originally placed in Jamestown Church in 1627 but was moved during construction in the 1640s. Rediscovered in 1907, it was damaged but restored, and today it sits in the Memorial Church at Jamestown. The tombstone’s intricate carvings once held brass inlays, likely depicting a family crest, a knight in armor, and an inscription scroll – signs of the high status of the deceased.

Sir George Yeardley: The man behind the stone

The tombstone is widely believed to belong to Sir George Yeardley, one of the most significant figures in early Virginia history. Born in Southwark, London, around 1588, Yeardley set out for Virginia in 1609 but was shipwrecked and stranded in Bermuda for nearly a year. He finally arrived in Jamestown in 1610, where he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as captain of Lt. Governor Sir Thomas Gates’ guard.

By 1616, Yeardley had briefly held the role of deputy or Lt. Governor of Virginia before returning to England in 1617. His fortunes improved in 1618 when he was appointed governor of Virginia and knighted by King James I, elevating his social standing. Yeardley returned to Virginia in 1619 as Lord Governor, a position he held until 1621, and later resumed in 1626.

Surviving both the severe famine and the deadly 1622 Indian massacre, Yeardley remained an influential leader until his death in 1627, when he was buried in Jamestown’s parish church. His prestigious tombstone reflects his prominent status and the wealth his family enjoyed both in Virginia and back in England.

Fossil analysis proves decisive

The provenance of America’s oldest tombstone was determined through meticulous fossil analysis. Key and Rossi found that the limestone contained microfossils found not in North America, but only in Belgium and Ireland. Given historical trade routes and the popularity of Belgian black limestone during the 17th century, Belgium emerged as the most likely source of the stone. This discovery sheds light on the extensive transatlantic trade network that provided wealthy colonial elites with materials from across Europe.

What is black limestone?

Black limestone, often referred to as “black marble” in historical documents, is a highly prized natural stone, particularly in Europe during the 17th century. The stone is known for its deep black color, which, when polished, gives it a glossy, marble-like appearance. This made it an appealing choice for monuments, tombstones, and other decorative stonework associated with wealth and status.

Belgian black limestone

The black limestone used in colonial tombstones, such as the one found in Jamestown, likely originated from quarries in what is now Belgium. Belgium has long been one of the premier sources of black limestone in Europe, with a rich tradition of stone mining dating back to Roman times. Hainaut is the most famous area in Belgium for black limestone production, specifically around the town of Soignies. The stone from this area, commonly called Noir Belge (Belgian Black), is not only black but also contains fossilized marine life from the Carboniferous period, giving it a distinctive appearance when polished. This limestone is geologically referred to as Lower Carboniferous limestone and is found in formations that date back around 360 million years.

Mining and quarrying of black limestone

The mining of black limestone in Belgium, especially during the 17th century, was a labor-intensive process. Quarry workers would extract large blocks of the stone by hand using chisels, hammers, and wedges. Once quarried, the stone would be shaped and polished to achieve its marble-like finish. This finishing process was critical, as the polished stone was what gave black limestone its coveted “black marble” appearance.

Belgium’s expertise in quarrying and finishing stone made its black limestone highly desirable throughout Europe, especially in England, where it became a popular choice for memorials, floor tiles, and architectural decorations. (For another story about a Belgian stone, check out my article How Belgian Porphyry paved the world.)

Transportation and trade of black limestone

The stone was transported from quarries like those in Soignies to various European ports, where it was loaded onto ships bound for destinations such as England, and in the case of colonial America, Jamestown. Due to its weight and the difficulty of transport, it was an expensive material, further cementing its association with wealth and status.

Final thoughts on America’s Oldest Tombstone

The discovery of Yeardley’s Belgian-origin tombstone shows the international dimensions of early American life, where wealthy Jamestown residents, despite their isolation, remained deeply connected to European fashions and tastes. America’s oldest tombstone gives us a fascinating glimpse into the early colonial world, where the colonists went to great lengths to recreate European traditions, making statements of wealth and prestige – even in death.

I hope you enjoyed this surprising story of America’s oldest tombstone!

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.