Genealogy Chat

We have spent today in Bury trying to find the grave of great grandfather. We found the plot, grave ok but there was no head stone. so we are guessing that either there never was a head stone or it has been removed due to damage. Does anyone know if it is policy for cemeteries to keep a record of removed headstones and the transcription on them? my other question is if a catholic baby dies within hours of birth and the parents have not decided on a name, is it feasible that the priest that baptises the baby gives it a nominal name? Thanks

Hi Helen I don't have a definitive answer on this I'm afraid, only my own thoughts but, for what they're worth, I expect the cemetery would have a record of all headstones removed but not necessarily what was written on it. With regards to the baptism I would have thought if a baby was baptised the little mite would have been given a name of some sort - who gave it, well your guess is as good as mine. Snowdrops

I don't know what the cemetery policy is about removed gravestones - but I do know that the staff have been found to be both helpful and kind - generally - so it would be worth asking. I should also imagine that a priest would have no hesitation in giving a child a name if he thought that the child was in imminent danger of unbaptised death. Christine

Thanks for your help, we're calling the cemetery tomorrow ! Just for your info. we have the 'burial deed' detailing those interned - G. Grandfather, G. Grandmother and 2 infants - 1 of whom is named Mary (28hrs), although we know that there was a surviving 'Mary' who was older than this one - seem strange to us ??!??