There are two particularly poignant reminders of loss in November. Early in the month, on All Souls’ Day, we commemorate the dead in special church services. Later, the ceremonies on 11th November are a public expression of remembrance and gratitude towards the servicemen and women who have given their lives in conflict. From the earliest times the dead have been buried in special places, their graves marked with stones. With the coming of Christianity, burials moved from mounds and barrows to cluster in the consecrated ground in or around churches giving rise to the familiar churchyards we all know. Originally, as in pre-historic times, only the graves of the wealthy or important were marked, but increasingly during the last three hundred years, the specific commemoration of each final resting place with a stone memorial became common.

At first the churches, which in England had the responsibility for accommodating all parishioners whether they attended church or not, were able to cope with the increased demand for land. From the late 18th century onwards, however, it was becoming apparent that graveyards were filling up, and the rising population throughout the 19th century only made the problem worse. By the middle of the century in many cities and towns the churchyards represented a major health hazard, as anyone who knows Dickens’ Bleak House will understand.

Eventually the authorities recognised the need to establish completely new places of burial away from the populated areas but near enough to allow visitors. Under the Local Government Act of 1893 councils were given the responsibility of providing burial grounds so new cemeteries became municipally owned, and thus independent from churches and their churchyards. For a time those churches and chapels that had the space continued to offer graves to their congregations, but all churchyards in Broughton were closed for new burials by the middle of 20th century and replaced by the opening of the cemetery in Fripps acre.

Churchyards and cemeteries remain for most of us the most important site for commemorating the dead and offer a year-round, physical focus for our memories. The graveyards and cemetery in Broughton display virtually all the permanent types of memorials, and a wander through them reveals the rich history of our village and those who have worked, lived and died here. We should, perhaps, accept the invitation of the memorial benches to take time out from our busy lives and sit there for a while in peace, remembrance and thanks for those who keep them maintained for our solace.

This article is written to publicise the Friends of St. Mary’s and St. James, a registered charity dedicated to maintaining the fabric of the two churches in our parish. If you would like to learn more about the work of “the Friends” contact Gillian Cole (tel: 301259) or pick up a leaflet from the table in St Mary’s.