WHAT IS A CHURCHYARD?
Understanding Churchyards and Graveyards
Both churchyards and graveyards are places of burial, but they have distinct characteristics:
Churchyard
- Location: Directly attached to or surrounding a church.
- Ownership: Typically owned by the church or local parish.
- Consecration: Usually consecrated (blessed) ground, considered holy.
- Regulations: Stricter rules regarding burials and memorials, often limiting types of headstones and inscriptions.
- History: Often centuries old, containing historical graves and monuments.
Graveyard
- Location: Can be anywhere, not necessarily near a church.
- Ownership: Can be owned by religious organizations, local authorities, or private companies.
- Consecration: May or may not be consecrated.
- Regulations: Typically fewer restrictions, allowing for a wider range of burial options and memorials.
- History: Often newer than churchyards, may not have the same historical significance.
In Summary
The main differences between churchyards and graveyards lie in their location, ownership, consecration status, and regulations. Churchyards are typically associated with churches, consecrated, and have stricter rules. Graveyards can be found in various locations, may or may not be consecrated, and usually offer more flexibility in burial practices and memorials.
WHAT IS A CHURCHYARD?