| The Church Yard that surrounds St Chad's is a most beautiful space that changes in character throughout the year. In the spring it is filled with wild flowers - snowdrops and crocuses at first, bluebells and white bells later on, mown lawns throughout the summer. It is a small oasis of peace and beauty in a bustling urban town.
The church yard is also a reminder of our human limitations. Many of the gravestones describe loss and speak of lives from previous generations that have passed through childhood, strong and fruitful years and have succombed to frailty and death. Yet in many cases with hope. To those of us who live in a world that concentrates so much on the material things, and that looses hope in the face of eternity, this can even be a comforting place.
It is also an exposed and vulnerable place. There are those who are insensitive to its beauty and who abuse it. Another reflection of a materialistic world. Grave Plots
Occasionally families want to make changes to a memorial. These are governed by regulations a summary of which can be downloaded here. (You will need Acrobat Reader). Please refer to our funeral arrangements page if you want to enquire about further burials including ashes. See below also.
Improving things
The church yard is now being looked after by Knowsley Borough Council's Cemetries Department. It is hoped that over the next couple of years a good deal of remedial work will be done to clear away ugly shrubbery and manage the grounds better. Clearing brambles from the back section will uncover many historic headstones. The attraction of this has got to be weighed against the risk of their being abused and smashed. The church seeks the comments of local people concerned about the church yard.
Also, many of the leaning and flattened gravestones will be stood straight in the coming couple of years. we hope this will offer a tidier and more cared for appearance though it might take away some of the rustic charm. See our Notice for further details.
In order to place the church yard's maintenance in the council's hand it has been closed to new graves. This is difficult as it is the only burial place in Kirkby. Graves that are not full can be re-opened still. You need to contact St Chad's directly in this instance.
Any additions to monuments and memorials, or new items to be placed in the church yard, must have the agreement of the Rector and Churchwardens. A fee may be charged. Please contact St Chad's for details. | | |
