By
The Genpals Cemetery Project
I knew in advance that there would be an item in last week's JC about Bancroft (Maiden Lane) Cemetery which was lucky as my copy didn't arrive until this week along with the current edition, something like the buses or Noah's ark but no matter, its the content that's important and highlighting the state of the cemetery evenmore so.
Ms Clapham approached us after discovering the cemetery, we have exchanged several emails and applaud her concerns and willingness to do something about it.
Its not so much the state of the cemetery that is the worry, it is in a pretty cared for state compared to some. At least when we saw it there was no rubbish, few weeds and so on. The problem is that there are hardly any headstones that remain, let alone standing. Many are smashed and lie in pieces, giving the appearance of a forgotten land.
Forgotten, well is that the problem? does anyone know whether their ancestors are buried there? would they contribute towards replacement headstones if they did? to the cost of the up keep?
I hope they would. With few records (if any) available, how would anyone know if their great great grandparents are buried there?
To this end we have tried to record as much information as possible from the fragments and smashed stones at the cenmetery. Follow this link to see all those that we photographed http://www.genpals.co.uk/cemeteryproject/showmap.php?cemeteryID=9&tree=C...
Can you add any info? help idenify any of the individuals?
I wonder, if no descendants or interested parties can be found, whether the remains should be moved, a plaques or plaques fitted to the walls and the land sold? the money could then be used to restore other cemeteries. Just a thought, a personal view, probably not a popular one but then ... doing nothing is not the answer either.
I would be very interested to know what others think. Please add your comments.
To get more from opinion, click here to sign up for our free Editor's Picks newsletter.