New cemetery opened 1858 with 1052 plots. The present church shown was built in 1763. The old cemetery and site of the old church is just to the right of this photograph.

The "Front Yard" - area to the front (south) side of the church (behind the church on this photograph). Burials commenced here around 1764 when the present church was opened. Some bodies were moved from the old churchyard to also. Around 1970-80 many of the graves had sunk and the area was uneven, so the area was built up and grassed over. The inscriptions on the stones that were covered were recorded. The path in the foreground runs from the main door (SW corner) to the road.

See main page for additional photos.

The old cemetery, burials commenced in July 1643. The previous church stood around where the tree on the left is. The church became to small in the early 1700's and plans were made to raise the roof and add galleries until it was discovered that the structure was not sound enough for this.

The new church was built about 100 yards away and was opened in 1764. Burials took place in the area to the south of the church and records show that a number of bodies from the old churchyard were moved there.

The old east window and belfry were purchased by George Stansfeld, the major player in the rebuilding project, and incorporated into his home, Fieldhouse. See http://www.sowerbytown.org.uk/history/fieldhouse.html

"Front Yard" - area to the front (south) side of the church. Burials commenced here around 1764 when the present church was opened. Some bodies were moved from the old churchyard to also. Around 1970-80 many of the graves had sunk and the area was uneven, so the area was built up and grassed over. The inscriptions on the stones that were covered were recorded. The path in the foreground runs from the main door (SW corner) to the road.

Numbering runs from F35 to F44 from left to right on stones partly buried (F38-F41 shown here & the double box is F51). Numbering runs left to right with generally Fx3 on the extreme left. The double slab at the far end on the right is F120 & F121

St Peter. Graveyard plan (full)