Quaker's Burial Ground

It is assumed that The Quakers purchased the ground in the early 1700’s, as the first recorded internment was that of a Benjamin Bellamy in 1713.  The Quakers didn’t erect headstones or memorials but recorded burials in their Quarterly Meeting Register.

By the early 1800’s, the ground was in possession of Mr Cross, a Quaker from Exeter, who purchased the site when adjoining property was sold, to prevent it from being used for other purposes.

Around 1826-28 negotiations were opened with Mr Cross to purchase the ground for the villagers.  Unfortunately, whilst these negotiations were taking place, Mr Cross died.  His young sons inherited the ground but, as they were under-age, the villagers were unable to do anything with the site for some years.  In 1836 a proposal was made that the villagers join together to purchase the site.  No one came forward until Mr Thomas Pearse, a sergemaker of Skaigh Mill paid £14 for the ground and appointed 8 of his relations as trustees, with himself as treasurer.