John Renie Gravestone

The gravestone of John Renie is a notable monument located in St. Mary's Churchyard in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, England. It stands out due to its intricate design, featuring a complex labyrinth of letters and words carved into the stone.

John Renie, a local painter, passed away in 1832 at the age of 33, leaving behind this mysterious gravestone. Legend has it that Renie designed his own gravestone as a puzzle, perhaps as a way to showcase his intellect even in death or to create a lasting enigma for future generations. Others say it was his intention to confuse the Devil, ensuring his passage into Heaven.

According to multiple sources, the 285-letter gravestone is believed to be an "acrostic puzzle." This type of puzzle combines elements of cryptograms and crossword puzzles, revealing a hidden phrase when deciphered correctly. In this case, the phrase is "HERE LIES JOHN RENIE," starting at the center. It has been confirmed that there are 45,760 possible combinations in which the phrase can be read.

Photo taken by Rita on Find A Grave website.