Sunderland minster, st Michaels & all angels

[jwilko]

Wondering if anybody knows the location of the graves that used to be in the graveyard at this church? It had a lot more character before the church changed it into a lawn.

[stanmapstone]

The graves will still be there under the lawn.
Stan

[stanmapstone]

St. Michael’s and All Angels Churchyard, was added to in 1810, but all funerals were excluded on 15th October 1849 due to excessive overcrowding. Thornton Place Cemetery, Gill Bridge, Rector’s Gill, was given by Dr. Wellesley, the then Rector in 1839,  it was closed in 1856.

Stan

[jwilko]

Thank you for the reply stan.

What became of the headstones?

I know a relative was buried at the church in 1843. So my relative would have been buried in the graveyard from what you are saying?

I don't understand why a church like the Sunderland minster would want to disregard so much of its history and just replace it with grass, it's such a waste.

From a genealogy point of view, what's the next step to finding out who shared the burial plot if there isn't a headstone? I'm assuming that a grave holds as much information as a census household at times..and I'm guessing records were kept of who's buried where during this period, so how can I find out?

John

[stanmapstone]

Durham Records Online http://www.durhamrecordsonline.com/ have the burial records for Bishopwearmouth St. Michael & All Angels.

Stan

[stanmapstone]

I know a relative was buried at the church in 1843. So my relative would have been buried in the graveyard from what you are saying?
John

Most burials 1839-1856 were at Thornton Place (Rector's Gill/Galley's Gill)  cemetery, and I would think by 1843 would almost certainly be there. There is an old photo of the cemetery at http://www.victoriacountyhistory.ac.uk/explore/items/epidemics
You can see the site of the cemetery at http://goo.gl/maps/H8oZN

Stan

[jwilko]

I purchased a record of burial from durham records online and it says the burial took place at st michaels & all angels? I'm guessing this would be the correct location? Is there a way of finding out who's buried in plots regardless of a remaining headstone?

[stanmapstone]

I purchased a record of burial from durham records online and it says the burial took place at st michaels & all angels? I'm guessing this would be the correct location? Is there a way of finding out who's buried in plots regardless of a remaining headstone?

The parish register only records a burial service, the actual grave can be anywhere.

Stan

[jwilko]

No records were kept beyond the point of a burial service then? You are saying you cannot locate a grave without knowing where it is or finding a headstone?