The present day St Peters
churchyard is in fact an amalgam of three parts. The original
medieval grounds at the rear of the site, with new ground opened in 1833,
followed by a further extension to the south in 1884.
The result of this is a wide distinctive range of stones and layouts
covering a number of centuries - all in one graveyard!
The original graveyard (medieval) site
contains approximately 1300 stones while the larger cemetery has about
4500. There are approximately 23,000 individuals listed between them
both. As you can imagine, with this background, there is a wide and
varied spectrum of people to be found in this resting place and there
are many fascinating stories related by some of the stones. A quick walk
round will soon reveal many interesting snippets.
Located on King
Street and bounded by Merkland Road, Spital and Orchard Road, this
churchyard is to the north of the city centre. Parking is difficult, but with luck
you can usually find a space on Merkland Road or the Spital.
Weekends easier than weekdays.
This is a beautiful place with many mature trees -
though some trimming is required as a number of stones are
'disappearing' beneath the branches and some spots are very dark indeed.
The grounds are otherwise in immaculate condition, with only a few of
the older stones of the graveyard toppled and/or vandalised. This
cemetery also suffered bomb damage during WWII and some stones still
show the effects of shrapnel. These are found in the SE corner of the
old graveyard and over the wall in the adjoining modern cemetery. Pathways
are mostly tarred and going is easy underfoot.
Of particular interest within the graveyard is the large
mausoleum dedicated to the Moir family of Scotstown. Also of note is the
memorial to that of Bishop Skinner who consecrated Bishop Samuel Seabury.
Bishop Seabury was instrumental in introducing the Episcopalian faith to
America.
Of a more modern vain is the grave of James Lee Fraser, victim of
the sinking of the ship Titanic.
Well worth a visit, with interesting stones to be found throughout. A number of worthies are buried there
(including many leading granite merchants) and I
guarantee you will want to find out more about them.
If you require a specific gravestone photo from the original graveyard
above then send me your relevant details and I'll
e-mail you what I have. Contact me
here
Click on photos below to enlarge
