St Thomas’ Churchyard
Burials and ashes
If you are looking for information on a relative who might have been buried in St Thomas’ graveyard, this 
spreadsheet may be helpful: Graveyard list and plans. Some notes on this spreadsheet:
- The tab named “Graveyard list” lists all the names recorded in our current burials register (since 1995) and the readily legible memorials.
- The three tabs named “Graveyard plan” show locations of
graves within the churchyard. These plans show south at the top.
- The final tab is a transcription of the burials register from 1888 to 1975 (with 1891 to 1893 missing). For many of these it is unlikely there was ever a memorial.
The churchyard is still open for burials and interment of ashes of those resident in the parish or with strong links to it. There is more information on the Funerals page, and you can contact the ministry team for more information.
Burials registers from 1719 to 1995 are available to view at the Buckinghamshire archives in Aylesbury.
The churchyard environment
The churchyard is a beautiful and peaceful “God’s acre” in the heart of Simpson village and is a haven for wildlife of all kinds. Part of our calling as Christians is to be good stewards of God’s creation and we try to apply that to this particular corner of creation.
Through 2020 and 2021 we participated in a project within the village to enhance the biodiversity and habitats available in the village and its surrounding areas. As part of this we surveyed the churchyard through 2021 to find out what can be seen at each stage of the year; we observed bee orchids, star of Bethlehem, pyramidal orchid and many other flowers. The churchyard is also a refuge for many kinds of birds, small mammals, other animals and insects. This report gives an overview of what was learnt during the year. The year-long survey helped us understand how best to manage the churchyard for the benefit of both wildlife and the humans who visit, use and love it.
WEP charity no. 1172298