Tuesday 14 August 2012

A full churchyard


This is the churchyard of St Mary's in Cottingham. As you can see it's pretty full not just with graves but trees.  You might think that because the church is old these trees are of a similar age but you'd be wrong. They've all sprouted up in the last century or so. You can see how it looked in 1885 if you click here. When that was taken the churchyard was still in use and so there's no trees. It closed for burials in 1889 and seems to have been subject to reafforestation. It's a little haven for wildlife with squirrels and birds even some exotics.

If  you have an interest in graves and graveyards pop over to Taphophile Tragics.

8 comments:

  1. The ate the gold leaf of the clock!! What a hoot!!

    The difference between 1885 and now is massive. With good reason, I suppose, 125 years being a fair while.

    But I like the graveyard as it is now, with nature reclaiming its own. It looks to have been well-ordered when in use. I wonder is there much of a record of those interred there. Nicola does not have much of an opinion of the record keeping of many cemeteries over her way.

    How say you?

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    1. Julie, churchyards are different as they kept very good records, as long as they weren't burnt by vandilisim or lost during the wars. Local Authory cemeteries are a different matter, many don't have their records computerised and tend to get a bit grumpy if you ask for information on a burial.

      Burial records here are not kept online, so you have to contact who ever holds the records to request to view them.

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    2. I've not had occasion to check up burial records. I imagine church records are so well kept because the writer probably knew the deceased in person, went for a drink with them, chatted them up and so on. Local authorities consider dead people as a one less rate payer and a burden on the city.

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  2. This view of the churchyard is like a romantic country scene! Can't believe that parrots, little parrots munched their way through the golf leaf of the clock! Incredible!

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  3. Such a lovely picture. There's something strangely beautiful about a churchyard or cemetery being reclaimed by nature.

    Beneath Thy Feet

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  4. It looks very peaceful with all the green. I could have a walk there.

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  5. That's a lovely photograph!

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  6. i like the pic!
    and it looks like a great cemetery to wander around...

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