Churchyard

The Churchyard lies adjacent to the 1775 for use as a burying ground with "tombs, vaults and monuments". Apparently, there had been some previous burials, as one headstone bears an inscription of the death of John Bradford in 1745. There are about 100 marked graves in this yard. It is seldom used now and only by expressed permission of the vestry. There are 10 underground vaults which are accessible from the streets. Six are located on Bow and 4 on Chapel. Many prominent persons of the Colonial period were buried in these vaults, such as Royal Governor Wentworth Benning (1741-1766), Reverend Arthur Browne the first rector of Queen's Chapel (1736-1773). Reverend Browne's residence is still standing on Court Street near Pleasant, identifiable by an historical marker.

(Posted February 28, 2005 by bmenk)