death-lantern

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death-lantern. In a churchyard or cemetery, a column surmounted by a lantern (usually behind an ajouré panel) over which was a cross. Intended to deflect evil spirits, they were sometimes large enough to have a staircase within the structure, and a lectern or pulpit at the base. In certain situations they also served as beacons (e.g. Visby, Gotland). Some were incorporated within chapels (e.g. Cemetery of the Innocents, Paris).

Bibliography

Mevr Petra Maclot