North Sides of Churchyards

A portion of many churchyards is said to have been left unconsecrated, though not to be used as playground for the youth of the parish, but for the burial of excommunicated persons. This was not, however, always on the north side of the church, as is evident from the following extract from the Register of Hart, Durham:— "Dec. 17. 1596, Ellen Thompson, Fornicatrix (and then excommunicated), was buried of Þe people in Þe chaer at the entrance unto Þe Þeate or stile of Þe churchyard, on the east thereof." Nor is the north side of the church always the less favourite part for burial. I could name…