Mid 18th to early 20th century graves at Holy Trinity Church, Rayleigh (EHER 16330)

A watching brief in advance of ground reduction prior to building an extension between the church and the church hall recorded more than 70 graves.

1993. Watching brief. A watching brief demonstrated that the graveyard is full, as more than 70 graves were revealed. No traces of earlier structures seen. <1> Letter confirming site deposition. <2> 1994. Watching brief continued. A watching brief was maintained on ground reduction in advance of the construction of a new church hall. In total, more than one hundred graves were noted, some forty of which were previously known (i.e. they had standing grave stones or monuments). Such human remains as were exposed were reburied on-site by the rector. Grave types included brick-lined, brick-lined with corbels, and unlined. The graveyard was certainly in use from the mid-18th century onwards. The church (EHER 13584) itself is at least of 12th-century date, and one may infer that use of the graveyard started then. However there is only a medieval sherd, a possible medieval boundary ditch and a series of undated (but presumably pre-18th century) burials to bridge the gap. <3>