Notes and Queries, Number 36, July 6, 1850 by Various
page 48 of 66 (72%)
page 48 of 66 (72%)
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W.J.
Havre. _North Sides of Churchyards_ (Vol. ii., p. 55.).--A portion of many churchyards is said to have been left unconsecrated, though not to be used as playground for the youth of the parish, but for the burial of excommunicated persons. This was {93} not, however, always on the north side of the church, as is evident from the following extract from the Register of Hart, Durham:-- "Dec. 17. 1596, Ellen Thompson, Fornicatrix (and then excommunicated), was buried of Þe people in Þe chaer at the entrance unto Þe Þeate or stile of Þe churchyard, on the east thereof." Nor is the north side of the church always the less favourite part for burial. I could name many instances where this is the only part used. The churchyard now within two hundred yards of me contains about an acre of ground; the larger portion of which lies to the south of the church, but has been very little used for sepulture till of late years, though the churchyard is very ancient. Even now the poor have an objection to bury their friends there. I believe the prejudice is always in favour of the part next the town or village; that on the other side of the church being generally called "the backside." I find various notices of excommunicated persons being very strangely buried, and in extraordinary places, but I have not as yet met with any |
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