Newton Church

Many times have we driven past Newton Church Road, by Danderhall but never visited the church for which it is named. Today we parked close by and walked through the extensive parish cemetery, thence the graveyard to the main entrance. I was impressed by the distinct chisel-marks on the stonework.

'Built in 1742, Newton Parish Church became a focal point and easily recognisable landmark in the Danderhall mining village. Described as a T-plan structure, with a small bellcote and an entrance porch in one of the gables and round-arched windows, an outside stair gives access to a gallery. On the south wall is a sundial dated 1742 (bottom left). Legend has it that the graveyard was targeted by 19th Century grave robbers (and later murderers) Burke and Hare, with a night watchman appointed to protect the newly buried'.

 One table-top tomb, decorated on the western end with an image of teacher and pupils (bottom right), bears inscriptions to the Somerville family, thus:

Interred here John Somerville Late Farmer in Hairlaws Who Died 25 Octr 1799 aged 78 Years

Here lys the body of Agnes Gray spouse to John Somerville Farmer in Hairylaw who dyd on the 27th of August 1777 aged 54 years

Thomas Somerville late schoolmaster in the parish (son to John Somerville, Farmer in Hairy-law) who died Dec 13 1775 aged 32 years also
Elizabeth Somerville who died Sept 11th 1762 aged 11 years, John Somerville, John Somerville, Rachel Somerville, Agnas Somerville, Margrate Somerville and John Somerville (who all died young (sic)

The wise, the just: the pious, and the Brave
live in their deaths and flourish from the grave
Grain hid in Earth repays the Peasants care
and evening Sun's but set to rise more fair.

What is noticeable is the repetition of the name John among the infant deaths; it was common practice, following the death of a child, to name the subsequent baby of that sex the same as that lost. This poor family notes the loss of three boys and four girls.

Sadly the church was noted as due for closure this year and services have moved to the church hall.