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. Please read the notes on the first tab of the spreadsheet for more information about it.
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.
Memorials and safety
The safety of the upright gravestones is reviewed from time to time. Most are firmly held in place, even those of the older ones that are leaning over at odd angles. However we have a few memorials (mostly of relatively recent date) which are slightly wobbly, and a handful that are believed to be at risk of falling over if not treated with care. If you see any gravestones with black and yellow warning tape on them, please do not touch them unless you are very certain what you are doing!
The names on the memorials that we are concerned about are: Clarke, Conian / Lock, Cronin, Eaton, Morris, Sheard, Vickerson. Full names and locations are given on this document. If any of those are memorials to your loved one, please email us or contact the office to discuss how we should manage the memorial.
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