The present day St Peters
churchyard is in fact an amalgam of three parts. The original
medieval grounds at the rear of the site, with new ground opened in 1833,
followed by a further extension to the south in 1884.The result of this
is a wide distinctive range of stones and layouts covering a number of
centuries - all in one graveyard! Surely the bargain of the day.
Located on King
Street and bounded by Merkland Road, Spital and Orchard Road, this
churchyard is to the north of the city centre. Parking is difficult, but with luck
you can usually find a space on Merkland Road or the Spital.
Weekends easier than weekdays.
It is a beautiful place with many mature trees -
though some trimming is required as a number of stones are
'disappearing' beneath the branches and some spots are very dark indeed.
The grounds are otherwise in immaculate condition, with only a few of
the older stones of the graveyard toppled and/or vandalised. Pathways
are mostly tarred and going is easy underfoot.
Of interest within the graveyard is the large
mausoleum dedicated to the Moir family of Scotstown. Also of note is the
memorial to that of Bishop Skinner who consecrated Bishop Samuel Seabury.
Bishop Seabury was instrumental in introducing the Episcopalian faith to
America.
Well worth a visit, with some of the older stones
definitely worth a look. A number of worthies are buried there
(including many leading granite merchants) and I
guarantee you will want to find out more about them.
Click on photos below to enlarge
