When I was back in England to visit my family, I did some genealogy work, part of which included going to graveyards and looking for long gone relatives. I was shocked to see that some of the graveyards had been left to grow wild. I asked one man about it who was tidying up at one church, and was told that he was not allowed to mow as the local diocese wanted to let things grow wild.
I saw this at quite a few churches. I find this very disrespectful, what are your thoughts?
2006-08-07 19:36:05 · 10 answers · asked by sunshine1 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
I think it costs a parish money to upkeep gravesites. Once the deceased are, as you say, long gone, and the families no longer visit the graves or make donations to the parish for the upkeep thereof, they no longer have the means with which to maintain the grounds. The living apparently take precedence over the dead. I don't necessarily see this as disrespectful. Apparently neither do the families of the deceased (if there are any surviving members who know about the sites) if it has got to this point.
2006-08-07 19:46:33 · answer #1 · answered by elk312 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree, that it "appears" disrespectful. The reality is England is no longer a Christian nation.
Very possible the diocese simply lacks money (since attendance is declining) -- and there's no money for upkeep and maintenance.
Perhaps the private donations of individuals is what's needed to help restore these graveyards. Here in the U.S., the "church" is healthy because private individuals are doing the work, rather than looking at an organization to do it for them.
2006-08-08 02:42:47 · answer #2 · answered by Sage 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the way it is in the u.k. Did you see that some of the grave stones had fallen over and left there like that for many years. Once it is there we tend to leave it and let nature do what it does. Most of us think that it is peaceful not to keep everything shiny and clean and well kept like it is in America. The graveyard is a quiet, peaceful, old place - and sometimes spooky seeing as the head of an angel statue is missing hear and there - but we don't mind as it adds to the oldness and they don't mind because they are dead.
2006-08-08 02:44:00 · answer #3 · answered by LondonLou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen many graveyards totally overgrown. Some of the tombstones are beautiful. It is a shame to let them go. Alot of people like to look at old grave sites. Im sure some of the graveyards dont have caretakers anymore, shouldnt the city pitch in to keep them up? It is only respect, come on people.
2006-08-08 02:43:22 · answer #4 · answered by Brandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes money and work clean up a graveyard. We pay a yearly due to keep our family graveyard looking good. So I would suggest you pay someone to mow and keep your family plot looking good.
2006-08-08 02:47:44 · answer #5 · answered by nannygoat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, people of the 'American' culture would think that to be disrespectful, but you have to consider the 'England' culture when you're in England. ....the moral philosophy of one culture is usually very different from anothers. people from other countries do not change their cultural beliefs when they come to America. (well... for the most part they don't)
2006-08-08 02:43:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that some TLC should be provided as a sign of respect for our passed friends and relatives.
2006-08-08 02:40:59 · answer #7 · answered by Awesome Bill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't like my opinion. I think graveyards are morbid and useless. Bodies should be cremated.
2006-08-08 02:41:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if plans are not made the upkeep get very expensive. those in it are not going to pay and the family won't either most of the time
2006-08-08 02:40:04 · answer #9 · answered by ML 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
focus on the living instead of the dead
2006-08-08 02:39:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋