Common Ground

[CathieL]

This is probably a silly question but what exactly does it mean "common ground", and if someone was buried in common ground would there be any record of the burial?
Cathie

[joette]

I may be wrong but I think it means that it's open to anyone-not a family cemetery for example.
Not a silly question at all.

[AndrewP]

Common ground was used by those who did not own a burial plot. It is sometimes known as a pauper's grave. Where the plot may hold six or eight bodies, it is most likely that they are all unrelated to one another. Normally there will be no headstone. There is as much likelihood of burial reocrds as for family burial plots. Depending on the cemetery, if the records survive, the records may be held by the local council, the church, or private cemetery owner.

I have seen such records for Ratho Cemetery. These were held by the City of Edinburgh Council's Cemetery Records Office. They had the names, dates and cause of death for all in each plot. The accompanying cemetery plan showed where these plots would be found. So, on going to the cemetery, I know that within a few paces I was at the burial plots for my g-g-g-grandparents, whose burials took place in the first decade of the twentieth century. That section of the cemetery remains as an open grassy area, presumably well filled by common ground burials.

All the best,

AndrewP

[CathieL]

Thank you Joette and Andrew
That is exactly what I wanted to know! I have not been able to find (even with help from Jack) the burial place of my grandmother-1920 or my grandfather-1939. I have recently been looking for burials for three other members of the family and no luck there either. I know they were very poor people and that got me to thinking about common ground, I thought it might have to do with having no money. I am so glad to hear that records were still kept, that means there is still a chance I might find them.
Regards
Cathie

[AndrewP]

Hi Cathie,

If you don't know which cemetery they were buried in, but you do have a date and place of death, then I would suggest seeking the local newspaper archives to see if funeral notices were placed. That should give you a cemetery and burial date. These details should help if you are seeking cemetery records.

Some local newspaper archives are held by the newspaper office. Others can be found on microfilm in local studies libraries.

All the best,

AndrewP

[CathieL]

Hi Andrew
Because they were poor I did not think of newspapers but it is certainly worth a try. Thank you for your help.
Cathie

[Alcluith]

Cathie,

I know that some of the gravediggers kept hand written records and a lot of these survive but you would need to visit the cemeteries to find out if these records survive, sometimes they are placed in the local libraries.

I have been successful in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Dunbartonshire with some whilst unlucky with others( the majority I'm afraid) - it's very much a matter of luck.

Drew

[jean noble]

This is probably a silly question but what exactly does it mean "common ground", and if someone was buried in common ground would there be any record of the burial?
Cathie

It means that as they were poor they could not afford a lair and they were buried in common ground, If you have the date of death and place of burial you camn still find out where the common ground burials took place. you can find out at the Mitchell library or Library at your place, It will give you a reference no. Then you can go to the cemetery and you will Know where the burials took Place. I have several common ground burial and have managed to locate the part for that purpose.
Jean Noble

[SarahND]

Hello Jean,
Welcome to Talking Scot!
Nice of you to use your first post to help someone out-- the right spirit for this forum!

Now that you've brought it to the top again, maybe we'll find out if Cathy ever found the grave location.

All the best,
Sarah

[CathieL]

Hi Sarah
I have not found them yet . I have the death certificates so I know where and when they died but have been unable to find the burial place. I had help with the Mitchell Library lists but could not find anything.
I think there is one more place in Glasgow that I could try but I understand it is very expensive for them to look so I have just put it on the back burner for now.
Thank you Jean for your interest (and you too Drew, I just realised I had not acknowledged your reply, sorry)
Regards,
Cathie