Our Gravestone Project

Many of Pyworthy’s visitors are from other countries often researching their family history.   It occurred to us that Pyworthy did not have a comprehensive record of who was buried in our churchyard or more importantly where they were buried.   Jackie and Diane decided to take on this task and planned to produce a list of burials and a plan for the Church showing where each grave was situated.  It was whilst planning the project they realized  that with a modest amount of money a more professional  result could be achieved.  Our History Group did not have enough funds to cover these costs and after many months of  applying for grants we were finally awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in July 2013.   Work started in earnest and  once the data had been collected we were able to proceed with creating the database and a professionally drawn up Plan and on the 7th July 2013 we held the unveiling ceremony in St Swithun’s Church. 

We realised that with the creation of a website, genealogists all over the world would be able to access the data  contained  on our gravestones at the same time being able to see a photograph of the memorial stone. 

The results of our project will also be included on the curriculum of Pyworthy Church of England School, and this will enable the children in our Parish to trace their ancestors.