Cemetery or Graveyard - A comparison

**Cemetery vs. Graveyard Burials: Understanding the Differences** When it comes to laying loved ones to rest, the terms "cemetery" and "graveyard" are often used interchangeably. However, these two types of burial grounds have distinct histories, purposes, and characteristics. Understanding the differences between cemeteries and graveyards can help individuals make informed decisions about burial arrangements. This article explores the key distinctions between the two. ### **1. Historical Origins and Definitions** **Graveyard:** The term "graveyard" originates from the Old English words "graf" (grave) and "geard" (yard). Historically, graveyards were small burial grounds adjacent to churches, often located within the churchyard. They were primarily used by the local congregation and were limited in size due to their proximity to the church. Graveyards were common in medieval Europe and were often associated with Christian traditions. **Cemetery:** The word "cemetery" comes from the Greek word "koimeterion," meaning "sleeping place." Unlike graveyards, cemeteries are independent of churches and are typically larger, more organized, and secular in nature. The concept of cemeteries gained popularity in the 19th century as urban populations grew and church graveyards became overcrowded. Cemeteries were designed to accommodate a larger number of burials and often feature landscaped grounds, mausoleums, and memorial gardens. --- ### **2. Location and Size** **Graveyard:** Graveyards are usually smaller and located on church property. Their size is often limited by the surrounding land, and they may have fewer burial plots available. Because of their proximity to churches, graveyards are often found in rural or historic areas. **Cemetery:** Cemeteries are larger and can span vast areas of land. They are often located on the outskirts of towns or cities to accommodate the growing need for burial space. Cemeteries are designed with careful planning, featuring sections for different religious or cultural groups, as well as areas for cremation urns and monuments. --- ### **3. Religious and Cultural Associations** **Graveyard:** Graveyards are traditionally associated with Christian communities and are often consecrated ground. They may contain religious symbols, such as crosses or biblical inscriptions, and are typically reserved for members of the church or local community. **Cemetery:** Cemeteries are more inclusive and cater to people of various religious and cultural backgrounds. They may have separate sections for different faiths, as well as secular areas for those who prefer non-religious burials. Cemeteries often reflect a broader range of memorialization practices, from traditional headstones to modern memorials. --- ### **4. Maintenance and Regulations** **Graveyard:** Graveyards are usually maintained by the church or local community. Because of their smaller size and historical significance, they may have fewer regulations regarding burial practices. However, this can also mean less consistent upkeep, especially in older or abandoned graveyards. **Cemetery:** Cemeteries are typically managed by professional organizations or local governments. They have strict regulations regarding burial plots, headstones, and maintenance. Many cemeteries offer perpetual care, ensuring that the grounds remain well-kept for generations. This level of organization makes cemeteries a more practical choice for many families. --- ### **5. Aesthetic and Environmental Considerations** **Graveyard:** Graveyards often have a rustic, historic charm, with weathered headstones and natural surroundings. However, their limited space and older infrastructure may restrict modern burial options, such as eco-friendly burials or green spaces. **Cemetery:** Cemeteries are designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind. They often feature landscaped gardens, walking paths, and serene environments. Many modern cemeteries also offer eco-friendly burial options, such as natural burials or biodegradable urns, catering to environmentally conscious individuals. --- ### **6. Cost and Accessibility** **Graveyard:** Burial in a graveyard may be less expensive, especially for members of the associated church or community. However, availability is often limited, and older graveyards may not have space for new burials. **Cemetery:** Cemeteries tend to have more options and flexibility, but costs can vary widely depending on the location, plot size, and additional services. While cemeteries may be more expensive, they offer greater accessibility and a wider range of choices for memorialization. --- ### **Conclusion** Both cemeteries and graveyards serve as sacred spaces for honoring the deceased, but they differ in history, size, religious associations, and maintenance. Graveyards are steeped in tradition and often tied to churches, while cemeteries are more modern, inclusive, and versatile. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider factors such as religious preferences, budget, and the desired level of care and accessibility. Ultimately, both options provide a meaningful way to remember and celebrate the lives of loved onesp

 A Grisly End to a Lancashire Policeman.

A grisly end. Sergeant William James Bedwell of the Lancashire Mounted Police had tied his legs together, cut his throat and jumped in the River RIbble -buried at Preston Cemetery, Lancashire. [Some years before he had been severely injured when he had been thrown from his horse and landed on his head]

 Captain Sir Tom Moore

The ashes of the super-NHS fund raiser Captain Moore were interred in the family grave at Morton Cemetery, Riddlesden, Keighley. In accordance with his wishes, the words 'I told you I was Old' were inscribed on his memorial:

BBC Coverage of the event can be found HERE

Spectacular CWGC Special Memorial in West Yorkshire Cemetery

At Keighley's Morton Cemetery, there is a spectacular  Commonwealth War Graves Commission Special Memorial commemorating 22 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. It consists of a Portland Stone statue of a Soldier and two panels upon which are carved the names of 22 soldiers who died of Sickness or Wounds at Keighley War Hospital.

My first port of call was to look at information on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Graves Registration Report

According to William J Ball, Area Inspector completed on 22 April 1922.

There are 22 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-1918 war commemorated here on panels adjoining a Special Memorial in the form of a life size Portland Stone statue of a First World War Soldier upon a decorated podium. There are an additional 6 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-1945 war, individually marked, throughout the cemetery.

In Grateful Memory of these men who served in the Great War, and died of Sickness and Wounds in the Keighley War Hospital

 Monument - figure of Soldier in uniform in Limestone (probably Bath] on GritStone Base  (about 20 feet high)

Inscription Below:

Their Name Liveth For Evermore

Category of Graves:

Graves in Special Plot (C) assigned by LocalAuthority for War Graves but not under Military Control.

There is a discrepancy here as only 21 of the 22 servicemen listed on the memorial are actually buried in front of the memorial. Gunner Christopher Brown  Royal Field Artillery who served with C Battery, 174th Brigade is buried separately towards the bottom of the cemetery. I am presuming this was because he was a local man. A CWGC headstone has been erected on the family grave. The CWGC Area Inspector records him as being buried in an isolated grave in the Civilian Cemetery, noting that he lies in a plot intended for three burials - presumably the other two places were for his parents.

I was quite interested to see that the CWGC War Grave Register had been amended following the removal of a large number of German graves were exhumed and removed to Cannock Chase's German War Cemeteries after the Second World War. What happened [I wonder] to the German MemoriaL which was designed by one of the interned German Officers? Probably broken up, I guess?

The Imperial War Museum's War Memorial Register  has made details of the memorials construction under a Creative Commons licence - ¢his information is made available under a Creative Commons BY-NC licence.

© WMR-28621

IWM War Memorial Register

The memorial was unveiled August 12, 1921 in a ceremony attended by local clergy and dignitaries and dedicated by the Bishop of Bradford.

FIGURE OF A SOLDIER IN MOURNING POSE WITH HEAD BOWED AND RIFLE REVERSED. ON SQUARE PLINTH WITH TWO FLANKING PANELS DECORATED AS BELOW. WHOLE MEMORIAL STANDS ON CRUCIFORM BASE FLANKING PANELS DECORATED WITH CARVED RELIEF DEPICTING ANGELS ON FRONT FACE AND LIONS ON REAR

1914 - 1918/ THOSE HONOURED HERE DIED IN/ THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY/ AND LIE BURIED NEAR THIS SPOT/ (NAMES)

Components

• Plinth
• Measurements: height 840MM, width 2070MM
• Materials: Stone - Portland
• Base
• Measurements: height 920MM, width 2070MM
• Materials: Stone - York
• Figure
• Measurements: Undefined
• Materials: Stone - Portland

War Memorials Trust

VERY UNUSUAL MEMORIAL IN THAT IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED AS A LOCAL INITIATIVE TO COMMEMORATE SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN KEIGHLEY WAR HOSPITAL AND THEN SEEM TO HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE CWGC. THIS PROBABLY EXPLAINS WHY THE NAME PANELS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN RE-CUT WHILST THE MORE DECORATIVE ELEMENTS OF THE MEMORIAL ARE QUITE WEATHERED. THE RIFLE IN PARTICULAR HAS DETIORATED QUITE BADLY

Here are a selection images of the memorial:

Two Early Casualties of WW2

The day after war began, two soldiers lost their lives on a Lancashire road. Pte Thomas Albert Lawson was a Territorial Army soldier serving in The King's Own Royal Regiment, while Pte Thomas Lee Driver was a regular soldier with The Loyal Regiment. Both were killed when their motorcycle was in collision with a motor car driven by 2nd Lt Lee Wheeler. According to a witness, the two vehicles changed sides of the road three times before the collision. Lawson [from Carnforth] was killed instantly while Driver was thrown heavily to the ground. Latter was taken to a hospital in Lancaster but died later from his injuries.

Pte Thomas Driver was buried in the churchyard at St Mark's, Dolphinholme 

Pte Lawson was buried St John's churchyard, Yealand Conyers

Lusitania Victim

Chief Steward Arthur Hugh Ford, Mercantile Marine lost on SS Lusitania. His was 58th body of 259 recovered [Queenstown]. Buried at Everton Cemetery, Liverpool. Originally named on the Mercantile Marine Memorial but name removed in 1928 when it was discovered he had a grave.

Killed by Mine Explosion

Walter Bentley Sharples, 5th Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy is named on the family memorial in Haslingden Cemetery, Lancashire. His name is listed on the Tower Hill Memorial. The names of the mostly Chinese crew are recorded on the Hong Kong Memorial.

MV Arinia was a British Motor Tanker of 8,024 tons built in 1936 by Lithgows, Port Glasgow for the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company. She was powered by a diesel, single screw giving 12 knots.

On the 19th December 1940 she was mined and sunk off the Nore Light Vessel when on route from Aruba for the Isle of Grain. It seems that the engines were switched off while the boat was in the Thames Estuary waiting for dock gates to open. Sadly, as soon as the engines were turned off, the anti magnetic system was disabled and the metal hull attracted a mine. All the crew perished with the exception of a cabin boy