Flamel's Tombstone

At his reputed death in 1418, the real-life Nicolas Flamel was buried in the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie in Paris. His grave was marked by this small medieval tombstone. The upper scene shows Christ flanked by Saints Peter and Paul, along with the Sun and the Moon. The deceased lies below the main transcription, which has been carved in French. In J.K. Rowling's story, Nicolas Flamel eventually agreed with his friend Albus Dumbledore that the Philosopher's Stone should be destroyed. Flamel and his wife had ‘enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order’ before finally being laid to rest.

‘To one as young as you, I ’m sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.’

Professor Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone