We set up two base lines using pegs and tapes. The first ran up the centre of the path and through the door all the way to the back wall. Where the continuous line was obstructed by a stone it was necessary to interrupt and recommence. Fortunately, such obstructions were few. The second, at right angles using the back wall of the old church as a guide, was set out, each to the walls of the churchyard. Then at 5 metre intervals ( occasionally at 7 or 3 when stones obstructed the lines ), the entire graveyard was sectioned off. Each line was measured accurately from the base lines so that errors would not multiply and thus the maximum error overall would be about 5 centimetres. Pegs were set at each intersection and the lines removed - and replaced - daily so as not to be a trip hazard to the unwary visitor. As measurements were noted , they were recorded on large chart paper, and so the shape evolved.

Starting to the right, just inside the gate and keeping to rows as far as possible, each stone was tagged with a plastic garden label and numbered consecutively all round the graveyard. the long line up the middle was used as the starting point for each row of numbering on the east side and as the end point for each row on the west side. ( The Church does not lie due north and south but for convenience the four corners of the compass were used ).The position of each and every stone was then measured and recorded on the chart.

While the right hand side of the Graveyard is relatively sparse, the left hand side, on the whole the oldest, tends to be crowded. This,then, proved the most difficult to chart.

It is appropriate here to record an appreciation of those who visited particular graves to place flowers that they never disturbed our identifying tags. In fact only once was a small area of tags disturbed when about 20 were removed and thrown aside. These were easily replaced.

If any measurements were used in the construction of the yard and the placing of Lairs, they were probably in yards, feet and inches. However , it was decided to use the metric scale because that is what is currently being taught in schools and in a few short years will be the accepted scale and in general use.

Reading the stones

With all the stones; 354 of them, and all the plaques, 10 of them numbered and charted: the next task was to read and record them. With only two on the task the division was easy. Mr Smallbone started at No.1 while Mr Read started at No.364 and worked backwards.

It was necessary to look at not only the obviously lettered face but to look at the other side where often letters or ornate carvings also appeared. Each and every one was recorded as it was lettered, mistakes and all, line for line. Lettering in Old English or Church Text were beyond the capabilities of a typewriter, as were those lettered in script. However, all these differences would be noted from the photograpghs in the photographic copies, or as stated in the non-photograpghic copies.

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