U.P. BellaVilla Churchyard, Stranraer

[mhomac]

Looking for some help please.
I have discovered two relatives on my friends Tree that says they were buried in U.P. Bella Villa Churchyard, Stranraer. The records even give the names of the sexton at the church.
I am trying to find if they have a gravestone and, if so, what it says.
They are Hugh Atkins died 26/11/1858 and his wife Euphemia Atkins (m.s. Flockhart) who died 11/9/1857.
Does anyone here have access to the Churchyard and perhaps look for a gravestone and take a picture.
i know I am asking a lot but would appreciate the assistance.
Thanks.
Morag

[Midlad]

Hi mhomac,
 
               Contact this group   just google Wigtownshire Pages that should get you into the site

They are very helpful they have photographs of markers in the area this is a great site if you

are researching in the area.

They possibly may have one already that is if there was a headstone there -- unfortunately a

lot of mine were very poor and just couldn't afford one.

Good Luck

midlad

[mhomac]

Thanks Midlad. I have emailed someone from this group and will wait to see if anything can be found.
I have no idea if this churchyard still exists or even where it is.
Maybe someone here may be able to give me some other information.
Thanks again for your speedy reply. Much appreciated.
Morag

[Midlad]

Hi mhomac ,
               As you enter Stranraer just past North West Castle Hotel there was a big house -- Bellevilla House which was an old peoples home -- this was knocked down a good few years ago and a few shops built in it's place.

I hope you get a reply soon to your enquiry if not you could always try emailing the local paper "Wigtownshire Free Press " and ask if they could put a piece in the paper  worth a try.

Good Luck.

Midlad

[MonicaL]

A little peak of the churchyard here www.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-738-182-C

Monica 

[MonicaL]

Morag, I think the churchyard is still there, tucked in behind what is now the Baptist Church of Stranraer on Bellevilla Road. The churchyard is round the back I think on Thistle Street.

Hopefully, these two photos will help you with bearings www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=41372558

On the second photo of Bellevilla Road and Thistle Street, the churchyard is just behind the church building, running along that stone wall.

Google maps/streetview show it really well.

Some of the history showing for the location re churches:

Stranraer Bellevilla Burgher (later United Secession, U.P; now Baptist) Church www.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-738-181-C

Even if there is no stone to be found for your friend's ancestors, hopefully photos from the cemetery will help. You may also find other types of records such as burial register entries, hire of the mortcloth etc. which might all help.

Monica

[Midlad]

Hi Monica and Morag,
                            Over the years I have walked that street many times and have never realised that was a cemetery -- on my next visit whenever it is I shall  definitely be having a look at it .

midlad

[MonicaL]

Hi Midlad

I have been virtualising on this, this morning as you can see! The cemetery is there, not a big one given the location. There is a small green gate for access...but the wall is low and you can easily look over...says she, who was in virtual world on google this am 

Monica

[mhomac]

Sorry for the delay in answering your very helpful posts.

Midlad.... thanks again for your help. I'm not sure when I can go visit this cemetery but without your help I wouldn't have known where to find it.

MonicaL... Once again you are a star. Where would this site be without you!  You have given me loads of good information here and pictures too. my friend will be amazed at what has been uncovered even if its not a gravestone! A visit is certainly needed.... good opportunity for a wee overnight trip I'd say.

Thanks to you both again.
Regards
Morag