The Graveyard

AMONGST THE STONES

STONES & STORIES

The land was purchased in 1839 and the first burial, that of Elizabeth Horam, who died 27th March aged 72, was carried out in 1840. It remained in use until 1898 when it was officially closed, save for those that had already reserved space.
There is no official record of burials from 1840-1882 and so the headstones provide the only record.

Richard & Mary Ann Guilford

Affectionate remembrance of Richard Guilford who died 15th June 1887 aged 70 years. Also Mary Ann the beloved wife of Richard Guilford who died 21st January 1881 aged 62 years.

For now shall I sleep in the dusk and thou shall seek me in the morning but I shall not be

George, Alfred and Charles Guilford

Affectionate remembrance of George, Alfred & Charles, sons of Richard and Mary Ann Guilford. George died February 6th 1857. Alfred died January 7th 1863 aged 14 months. Chares died Decr 14th 1865 aged 18 months.

These little lambs are missing now, not lost nor gone nor stray'd, but gathered to their heavenly home and bosom laid.

Walter, Charlotte Ann, George Henry & Walter George Gamble

Walter born Nov 12 1864 died Nov 10 1865. Charlotte Ann border Sep 25 1866 died  July 20 1867.  George Henry born Oct 30 1868 died Dec 2 1872. Walter George born Jan 6 1879 died Oct 1 1884. The beloved children of Silas & Maria Gamble

THE STONES

In 1985 the church undertook a survey of the stones, noting that sone were so badly weathered as to be undecipherable.
This project, split into two parts, attempted to record the burials. The first, lists the headstones including any that are not readable, and, in part 2, we have a record of burials from 1882 to 1898 where either no stone was laid, they have perished or otherwise disappeared. The list can be downloaded from this link.
Longer term our plan is to tidy and clean the burial ground and stones before mapping the location fully and providing full details of those buried here. Over time, as the stones are cleaned, we'll try to investigate the details of those buried here and publish profiles of the individuals as a community project.

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Useful Links

Rothwell Congregational Library

Rothwell Heritage Centre