Larnach's Tomb, the most striking memorial in the Northern Cemetery still stands proudly despite a century of vandalism and deterioration. Photo by Gerard O'Brien. : Laying Larnach to rest

Window mullions and stained glass have long been broken. Photo by Gerard O'Brien. : Laying Larnach to rest

The roof was repaired after an arson attack in 1999. Photo by Gerard O'Brien. : Laying Larnach to rest

Details of the carved Oamaru stone around the entrance. Photo by Gerard O'Brien. : Laying Larnach to rest

The doors have long been vandalised and Eliza Jane Guise Larnach's name and dates on the door lintel have been defaced, but Larnach's emblem remains proudly over the door, and the original coloured tiles are shown in the entrance under the steeple.... : Laying Larnach to rest

A 1972 photograph showing the desecration: the remains of the original herringbone-patterned floorboards, the steps down to the vault holding the coffins. The doors are still in place. It is thought vandals climbed through the broken windows. : Laying Larnach to rest

Barry Barker (left) and Bill Bachop surveying the tomb in 1972. : Laying Larnach to rest

Sealing the vault with concrete in 1973. : Laying Larnach to rest