Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know if gravestones have to be a particular way round?

& if there is a wrong way round for what reason could that be ?

In our graveyard they all face East. I don't know why. Mumsy.

I went to a graveyard in Wales & most of them faced one way (don't know what direction) but 2 or 3 faced the other way. Went to another one yesterday & a lot of them faced the middle pathway - so opposite - but again a couple were the wrong way round!!

Our local cemetery has gravestones facing in all directions Reg

Not positive, but think they place at the 'head' or top of the grave, facing towards the rest of the body. Sue

I have a number of photos of Gravestones in my collection - my kids say I am very sad. The people are all related I must say. But when i got the info and arranged to meet the cemetery keeper he new which way round the grave was, the crematorium local to where your grave is could perhaps help (this is how I got my info) if its in a church yard perhaps ask the vicar or maybe some of the older parishioners they have proved to be a good source of help to me. Happy hunting Gayle

In our churchyard, as opposed to a cemetery, they all face east - apart from about 3. These 3 face west and are all the graves of past rectors/curates. Jay

In response to Janet: Yes, a deceased priest should be taken in at the funeral and be buried the opposite way round to the coffins of the people - so that s/he will face the congregation on the day of resurrection. Mumsy.

The traditional Christian burial has the bodies facing East, but you can choose which way you lie, unless you live near here: http://www.dailymail(.)co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=406682&in_page_id=1770 (remove brackets). After all we must have a neat & tidy burial ground muustn't we??? maggie

Hi Thanks for your replies The church in London Colney has got it totally wrong (different) - facing inwards! I don't think the ones facing the wrong way were priests though in either church yard! The puzzle goes on!!