Restoring St. Mary’s Graveyard

For generations, St Mary’s graveyard has been the final resting place for thousands of local people. Since opening in 1848, records show that almost 3,000 people have been buried there, making it an important part of our village’s history and heritage.

Over many years, however, nature has slowly reclaimed the site. Brambles have grown to head height, saplings have taken root among the graves, and many headstones have become hidden beneath dense vegetation. In some areas, families have been unable to reach the graves of loved ones or enjoy the peaceful surroundings that the churchyard has always offered.

While the maintenance of individual graves traditionally falls to families, changing lifestyles and the mobility of modern life mean that many plots are no longer regularly cared for.

A Community Effort

Thankfully, a dedicated group of local volunteers has stepped forward to make a difference.

By carefully cutting back invasive vegetation, removing saplings that threaten historic headstones, and uncovering graves hidden for decades, they are helping to restore the churchyard while treating it with the care and respect it deserves.

Their efforts have been warmly welcomed and reflect the growing sense of community spirit currently being seen across the village, alongside the continued revival of the Community Centre and the growing church congregation.

Protecting Heritage and Wildlife

The restoration work is being carried out with great care and consideration for the local environment. The graveyard is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, an owl and many insect species, so volunteers are working sensitively and avoiding the use of pesticides wherever possible.

Balancing conservation of both heritage and nature remains an important part of the project.

Preserving Local History

Alongside the physical restoration, work is also underway to preserve the stories of those buried at St. Mary’s Church.

Building on the original research carried out by Jim Skelsey and David Hutton, members of the village History Group are creating a digital record of the graveyard. As more headstones are uncovered, volunteers are recording inscriptions and matching them with photographs, helping to preserve this valuable piece of local history for future generations.

Looking Ahead

The Mill Bank Group will be working alongside the Community Centre Committee to encourage more volunteers to help care for untended graves and support the ongoing restoration of the churchyard.

With every cleared pathway and every newly uncovered headstone, another piece of our shared history is being revealed. The project is not only restoring a place of remembrance, but also strengthening community connections and ensuring that St. Mary’s graveyard remains a place of dignity, reflection and local heritage for years to come.