MI advice

[Vasquez109]

After a chat with a few friends we thought it would be a good idea to list all MI for a local churchyard. We have never done this before and wondering if anyone has any advice before we start. We chose a small churchyard to practice on before we tackle our main priority of a much larger burial ground.

We would like to make some sort of map but not sure how practical this would be.

Any advice?

[Ruskie]

Never done it, but think it's a great idea. Before you start you may want to check that someone hasn't beaten you to it though. 

These days with headstones being removed for safety reasons (or whatever), some old churchyards are looking pretty empty. 

Best of luck with it.

[Vasquez109]

Thanks Ruskie. We did check and it hasnt been done. But for practice, it wouldnt have mattered if it had been done. This is the warm up one. Need to iron out all wrinkles before the big one!

[Ruskie]

Good on you - it's a worthwhile thing you're doing. 

[Valda]

Hi


Your local family history society should have experience of of transcribing monumental inscriptions and will be able to give you local advice and also hopefully some support.

The Federation of Family History Societies lists all the societies and their contacts and websites

http://www.ffhs.org.uk/members2/england/eng-beds.php


Regards

Valda

[Vasquez109]

Greatly noted. Thank you Valda!

[General Dogsbody]

Take coffee and a friend for company. It is very time consuming.!

[copperbeech5]

Hi,

I have helped on two MI's lists of grave yards. 

Both times we were all given  the same  map of the graveyard split in to very definite sections (one section each week) and also a uniform record sheet so that everyone records the same things in the right order.

I would also add that as daft as it sounds, information must be written down as it reads - don't be tempted to correct, or guess at worn bits. 
You could also make a photographic record of each stone too.

Best wishes,
Copperbeech5

[Billyblue]

TAke some chalk and some water to pour over headstones that are worn, to bring up the carvings.

use standard abbreviations, e.g. ILM = in loving memory, to save having to write every word

Take something like a folding stool if you can, as it gets very tiring and you can't always sit on the gravesides.

Summer?  Take a hat and water
Winter?  Wear warm clothing
Always - wear closed in shoes to guard against bities, prickly grass, etc.  Might be a good idea to have gardening gloves too, in case you have to lift a heavy dirty stone.
Always - have patience and good humour.
Don't forget your lunch / elevenses.

Dawn M