Visiting a Cemetery

[pipkim]

Hi All,

I'm considering a visit to a cemetery where hopefully some of my ancestors are buried. I don't have any information as to where I may find them and looking at the cemetery on google maps/satellite, it may take me some time.
Is it just a matter of being systematic or is there something else I should do?

I'm taking a camera and note book and a list of names, burials and dates etc. All I need now is to be able to escape the family for a few hours. Don't think they would see a trip to a cemetery interesting in the slightest!!!

Pipkim

[Siamese Girl]

If it's a municipal one it would be best to contact the authorities (try the local council for information) first as they should have a plan of all the burials.

Carole

[aghadowey]

From previous experience I know that it's easy to get distracted and leave handbag, camera, etc. down while copying a gravestone inscription and then wander off to the next stone so now. I always carry a bag with a long strap which I hand on my soulder.

If it's a large cemetery run by a council there might be a map (even a general map with 'roads' and paths showing can help you get your bearings or to explain where a plot is located.

Happy hunting!

[pipkim]

Thanks for the advice. Shoulder bag at the ready.

I've had another look on google satellite and the cemetery looks older in one area and seems to progress to more modern grave stones. The oldest part, has many rows of gravestones in lying in the grass.

I will try the council, as suggested, to see if they have a map/layout.

Many thanks

Pipkim

[mshrmh]

Pipkim - as Carole says it can be worth seeing if there are any plans available - I suspect you're looking at a churchyard - some plans are available online or via a local history group - well worth searching around; also some MIs have been transcribed & are online or in booklets at local history libraries or records offices - anything that gives an indication on layout in a large area helps.

Layout can be systematic in neat rows, but some churchyards when they get near "full" then fill in  around edges etc then they may extend into another nearby area. Council cemeteries often had separate areas for different faiths or even denominations.

Also there may not be a headstone or a zealous authority may have removed it or toppled it for safety reasons so you can't read it.....

I'd suggest sturdy boots or wellies and gardening gloves in case "your" graves are the ones smothered by brambles or ivy! Also as it appears you'll be on your own, I don't want to be alarmist, but  take your phone & make sure someone knows where you are - some churchyards are lonely places with very uneven ground & accidents do happen.

[Just Kia]

I found many of the older stones were hard to read but laying a large sheet of paper over them and rubbing lightly with a crayon or chalk showed up the inscription better.
I think some cemetaries have burial indexes, listing names/dates/plot refs. but the couple I have gone to I have just systematically walked the rows looking for surnames (and been lucky), although these were fairly small cemetaries.

[Maggie.]

As has been said already, a map would help enormously so do check first.  Failing that, another person to help is an asset - perhaps one member of the family might be persuaded to help?  On a recent search in a Scottish cemetery for some of my lot, my OH and I mentally divided the area into sections using trees, large memorials etc. and worked our way systematically up and down the rows.  It was my OH that eventually found the grave I was looking for so I was very glad I had taken him along.

It is easy to get diverted and concentration is easily lost, particularly if it is a cold day, also difficult to write notes when fingers are cold, therefore best to pick a milder, but dry day.  When taking photos, watch the lighting then the inscription is not flattened out.

Best of luck  

Maggie

PS - good tip re. rubbing paper with crayon, Kia - will definitely try that 

[aghadowey]

Rubbing wild rhubard leaves over a hard to read inscription often helps make the writing clearer. If wild rhubarb not available, try using a little bit of water dabbed on with a sponge. Do not scrap or scratch the stones to clear mosses, etc.

[coombs]

Hi

I have been to many gravesites and cemeteries for my ancestors and have found lots of interesting things. To visit Highgate Cemetery you will have to pay about £3 to get in but I think there may be a Friends Of Highgate Cemetery Trust.

Ben