Reasons for burials in unconsecrated ground

[Redroger]

Could this account for an 1890 burial in an Anglican churchyard  (Lode Cambs) of Jabez Ayres whose tombstone bears a Star of David? If so, the whole question of a Jewish connection to this branch of the Ayres family must be open again.

[meganbutel]

Its my understanding that you could also not be buried in "hallowed" ground if you had not been baptised. This was the reason children were baptised so soon after birth when infant mortality rates where so high.

[patrexjax]

And, in some cases I know of persons who were not eligible to be buried in the hallowed ground of a cemetery; as a result, they were buried outside the cemetery wall and/or fence.  The cases I know of also did not have a headstone.  Pat

[stanmapstone]

Its my understanding that you could also not be buried in "hallowed" ground if you had not been baptised. This was the reason children were baptised so soon after birth when infant mortality rates where so high.

Before 1880 no body could be buried in consecrated ground except with the service of the Church, which the incumbent of the parish or a person authorized by him was bound to perform; but the canons and prayer-book refused the use of the office for excommunicated persons,  for some grievous and notorious crime, and no person able to testify of his repentance, unbaptised persons, and persons against whom a verdict of felo de se had been found.
The burial of suicides, along with felons, outcasts and unbaptised infants, would normally be in unconsecrated ground, which was usually the north side of the Churchyard.
See also http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,495740.msg3529261.html#msg3529261
Stan

[anpefa1]

my own experience of this issue bears out what has been posted, my infant son died before he was baptised and the catholic church refused to allow his burial in the rc section of the cemetery. tony.

[Annie65115]

I'm sorry to hear that, Tony.

[anpefa1]

thank you for your sympathetic response, it was a long time ago but the attitude/catholic mindset may still prevail. tony

[PennyvdB1949]

Info from the Lincolnshire Family History Society -

Nothing sinister about unconsecrated ground!
 
When the churchyards in the towns became full and space was wanted for traffic etc, Municipal Cemeteries were authorised (in the early 1850s), a section of the new ground was set aside for the non-conformists of all shades so that their own ministers could officiate.
Burials in churchyards had to be conducted by CofE clergy until 1880.

[a-l]

I had a great uncle who died in childhood ,he hadn't been christened and was refused church burial. He was buried on the local tip ! How disgusting is that ? It upsets me to think of his family watching their son / brother being buried there. Poor souls.