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Bishop of Shrewsbury visits North Shropshire town to make final piece of cemetery land suitable for Christian burials

The final piece of land at Market Drayton Cemetery has been made holy and suitable for Christian burials.

By Luke Powell
Published

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock consecrated the ground at the cemetery in Market Drayton on Tuesday morning (June 17).

Previously, each time there has been a burial at the cemetery, a vicar has had to attend the site and consecrate the section of land where a person is being laid to rest.

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock consecrated the final piece of land at Market Drayton Cemetery
The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock consecrated the final piece of land at Market Drayton Cemetery

Market Drayton Town Council has sought to have whole final patch of land at the site blessed so this is not required and so the land is set apart solely for sacred purposes.

The practice dates back for centuries and is grounded in Church of England law, and can only be done by a Bishop. 

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock consecrating the land
The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock consecrating the land

After consecration, regardless of where someone is buried, human remains may not be disturbed without specific authority. Consecrated land is seen to have the highest level of protection.

Civic and church leaders gathered at Market Drayton Cemetery as the Bishop of Shrewsbury consecrated the land, declaring it as holy. 

Attendees at the consecration included Diocese and Registrar Andrew Wynne, representatives of JR Williams Funeral Directors, Sexton James Walton, representatives from St Mary's Church, the Archdeacon of Salop Rev. Nick Watson, Rev. Christine Simpson and Reader Peter Fox. 

Land at Market Drayton Cemetery was consecrated on Tuesday.
Land at Market Drayton Cemetery was consecrated on Tuesday.
The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock and Market Drayton Mayor Tim Manton
The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock and Market Drayton Mayor Tim Manton

Speaking on behalf of Market Drayton Town Council, Mayor Tim Manton said: "We are delighted that the ground, that is final piece of burial land we have in Market Drayton, has been consecrated.

"It is pleasing now that the entire plot has been consecrated as going forward it means there will be cost savings because we won't have to have a vicar out every time to consecrate the site.

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock, consecrating the land.
The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rev. Sarah Bullock, consecrating the land.

"It is pleasing that we have been able to get it done and sorted, and for the families who will be using it. It is a lovely cemetery, it is a sensitive place for individuals. As a town council, the easier the process we can make it for families in what is an upsetting time, I think the better."