Genealogy Chat

An intersting point which my grandmother made -. When other rellies wre looking for rellies in the church yard and being sad that there is no headstone. She remembers her families ancestors being buried in Frimley Churchyard, but sadly there graves are unmarked. But they were all marked once with wooden crosses, which have long since rotted away. She remembers these crosses. Makes you think doesn't it. We think they were unmarked but they weren't at all. Trouble is now we can't be sure .....who is where.... Kim

Churchyard plans of burial plots should be available somewhere. Usually they are a) Still in the church office b) At the relevant archives or Record Office c) With local council, ..parks and cemeteries dept. Another reason for unmarked graves is to do with more recent 'Health and Safety' issues. I have seen a country churchyard where about 80% of the upright stones were stacked against the churchyard wall. Gwyn

Burial records state a location- a paupers grave may not be found but a plot that was purchased would be- they use the term 'bereavement service ' these days...when looking for the body that has the info....I recently contacted such a body and they looked up the location-no headstone but they took a picture of the plot in the yard and emailed the image.

Yes, we know who is buried there I was just thinking it would be so much more personal to 'see' the crosses or , headstones to identify them . But family history is always a surprise, things are seldom/never how you imagine them..! Kim

The churchwarden has a plan of our churchyard and if contacted in advance, can show people the exact spot. All our headstones now have to be tested, annually, for stability and a notice put up in church to say this has been done! Jay