HIGH ESCOMB CEMETERY WELCOMES YOU
For friends of High Escomb Cemetery
Since opening in 1863, until 'closed' circa 1975, High Escomb Cemetery was proud to serve the Escomb, County Durham, England and surrounding areas.
The Full Story
Not to be confused with the Saxon church graveyard. High Escomb cemetery opened in 1863. The last burial was circa 1945.
After St John's church, which stood on the site, was demolished in 1972, the cemetery was effectively abandoned .
The majority of 20th century headstones were insensitively removed. About 100 Victorian headstones were laid flat near the South wall in front of a selection of smaller ornamental markers. This area was also later abandoned and not reclaimed till 2022 / 23 by a very small and aged band of volunteers.
There are huge gaps in the parish records of High Escomb Cemetery, known as `the missing years`. Section 2 remains an enigma.
From gathered information a digitalised map of plots has been created also a Facebook chat page also page with photographs of remaining headstones, with local knowledge added.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/573395277685507/?ref=share_group_link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/881019782975493/?ref=share_group_link
