Families of people buried at Heywood Church have called for urgent attention to the upkeep of the churchyard
People in Westbury, Dilton Marsh and the wider Wiltshire area have shared concerns about the “lack of respect” at the site on Church Road.
While the church is now a private dwelling, the graveyard remains operational and people can still be buried there.
However, weeds, overgrown branches and even anthills obscure many of the graves, and uneven paths make access difficult for people with mobility issues.
Carole Large, from Dilton Marsh, who has family buried there, said, “How about respecting the final resting place of loved ones who put their faith in the church?”
Rachel Stroud said, “To be buried in that graveyard, a person has to have a family link to Heywood and/or a family member buried there – my family has both, which is why we find the constant neglect of the graveyard so distressing. I first brought this to the White Horse News when my father was laid to rest just over 10 years ago, and I am disgusted that nothing has changed.”
Another resident added, “The gate has been broken for years and parts discarded at the gateway, and it is impossible to access the compost bin covered in brambles. We have no objections to the rewilding area where there are no graves, our family are very nature orientated. The churchyard used to be kept tidy, and it was pleasant to walk around.”
People with loved ones buried in the graveyard have tried to contact the Parochial Church Council (PCC), who maintain the site, but say no action has been taken.
When contacted, the Diocese of Salisbury said “limited funds” had impacted the upkeep of the graveyard.
A spokeswoman said, “The Archdeacon has been made aware of concerns and has had a conversation with the PCC for North Bradley, Southwick and Heywood, and they are doing what they can to maintain the churchyard with their very limited funds.”
Historically, Heywood was part of the parish of Westbury until 1896, when it became a parish in its own right.
The parish church was Holy Trinity Church on Church Road in Heywood, which was built in 1849, became redundant in January 1982 and has since been converted into a home.
Chris Da Costa, of the nearby Heywood House, expanded on the history of the site and said, “Holy Trinity Heywood was built in 1849 by Henry Gaisford Gibbs Ludlow of Heywood House. Henry lived at Heywood House for most of his life, from 1822 to 1876. He was a landowner, philanthropist, magistrate and High Sheriff.
“He embarked on a massive refurbishment of Heywood House, then went on to build the first school in Heywood, and then Holy Trinity Church, large enough to seat 250 parishioners.”
Pictured: Many of the graves are obscured by weeds and foliage
