Eccles - the "overflow graveyard"

[Spitfire]

Does anyone know anything about the "overflow graveyard"

Was it located where there is now a carpark? were there any gravestones? What dates was it used? When did it get covered over?

The only hint that there was ever a graveyard is on a small plaque on the outside wall of a charity shop as shown in my photograph.

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[broomy]

Is this at the top of the pedestrianised part of church street? opposite the train station?
If so, i was always told it was a plague pit.
Could have been told wrong though.

[Spitfire]

Yes broomy. The small plaque says it was used for vitims of a cholera outbreak. I only spotted the burial area when looking on some old maps and it is marked as "Overflow Graveyard" I am fascinated by Eccles church now and will have to learn more about the church and this overflow graveyard.

[broomy]

Were you aware of the Stephenson connection?
A bit ironic when you think of 'The Rocket', William Huskinson, etc.

www.g7uk.com/photo-video-blog/20100812-robert-stephenson-buried-in-a-churchyard-in-eccles.shtml

[Spitfire]

yes, I stumbled on that on the internet last night

This church fascinates me now.

[broomy]

Just realised...i should have posted about Stephenson on the St Marys thread.
Never mind.

[Spitfire]

Here you go broomy, this photo shows the "Graveyard" plaque on the wall.

Attachments:

[broomy]

You've probably seen this.
St Marys and the 'overflow'

www.salfordonline.com/salfordvideos_page/18251-local_history:_eccles_blue_plaques_part_1_of_4.html

[Spitfire]

No, I haven't seen this, thanks broomy, I'll watch it now

[Spitfire]

so, the bodies were exhumed and moved to Peel Green cemetery...I wonder what sort of records are available, I will have to investigate this further. Thanks again broomy

[claire]

there was an article in the Salford Advertiser about this some time last year I think, it might be worth giving them a ring to see if they still have a copy.