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Exploring the English Village Churchyard
The English village churchyard as we know it today bears little resemblance to the churchyards of the 16th and 17th centuries. Around that time, on the south-side, fairs and festivals were held, holy or ‘holiday’ processions took place, plays and colourful pageants were acted out, games were played and gambling was rife; even alcohol was brewed and consumed by both priest and the congregation.
Known as ‘Church Ales’, the sale of this strong, home-brewed beer, helped to offset the maintenance and repair costs of the church fabric itself, and at one time many had brew-houses attached to the church itself!
In total contrast, the north-side of the church was at the time un-consecrated ground. It was widely believed, and reinforced by the clergy, that because the sun never shone thereby making it damp and dismal and cast in perpetual shadow, it was inhabited by the devil himself. For this reason it was used solely for the burial of suicides and un-baptised children – therefore being damned for eternity. Those who were executed for committing murder were......
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Thank you very much for your time...Charles.
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Last Update : 2008/07/13 12:03:48 PM
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