Burial Plot - Gladys Smith d. 1936. Buried St Martins, Shropshire

[mrzjb]

I have managed to find the burial record for my grandmother Gladys Smith, but there is no record of the plot number. I have tried bother Shropshire archives and the churchwarden at St Martins very kindly checked the records that they have, but to no avail.

Is this the end of the line in trying to identify where she was buried?

Any help/guidance/insights would be most welcome.

[rosie99]

Did St Martins confirm that she was buried there

[mrzjb]

The record of burials, which was moved to the shropshire archives does record her burial. However, the church has no additional details.

[rosie99]

If there is no grave marker then it is unlikely that you will be able to locate where she is buried.  Where was her husband buried

[mrzjb]

He remarried very soon after she died, then moved on. Other indicators woukd hint he was happy to break the links to his old life. It’s complicated.

[rosie99]

It was not unusual for people to remarry quickly after being widowed when young children were involved.  I have an example in my extended family where after the remarriage family links were broken and children of the first marriage were not allowed to see their dead parents family.

Single parents did not get the financial help that they do now.

[mrzjb]

It wasn't so much not allowed to see dead parent's family - more that he started afresh with a new life leaving the old life behind...

Either way, sounds lie there's no likelihood of discovering where her grave is. I was quite surprised that churches don't keep plans of burials (but then when I checked the CofE guidance on burials was less surprised when I read the in the event of digging up someone else's bones in an unmarked grave, they should be returned to the grave and the new burial placed on top. Obvs. keeping records was not their forte!)

[BumbleB]

Only a thought - could it be that the service was held at the church, but she was actually buried in a cemetery. 

[Pennines]

Sorry BumbleB - you just beat me to it!!But posting this anyway.

I thought churches did keep records of actual burials which took place in the Church grounds - but, honestly - they are like gold dust. I know I transcribed some church burial records for my local history society - and they were very detailed. Who had paid, size of plot - people buried in it etc.

Are you sure the Archives are holding Burial records - or simply the registers of the funeral services at the church?

By 1936 most Churchyards were full and actual burials were taking place at the local municipal cemetery.