The Jackson Gravestone and Memorials

The Churchyard in Old Glossop has a considerable number of gravestones, and there are also a number of gravestones and memorials within the Parish Church of All Saints. One of the gravestones in the Churchyard commemorates Issac Edward Jackson and his wife, Harriet Jackson;there are also memorials to Issac and Harriet within the Parish Church,including the window in the Lady Chapel depicting Hilda,Abbess of Whitby. Friday 18th March 2022 marks the centenary of the death of Issac. The recording and care of these historically significant gravestones and memorials fall within our stewardship of the Churchyard and of the Parish Church. We are grateful to the descendents of the Jackson family for the re-gilding of the gravestone commemorating Issac and Harriet Jackson in time for this anniversary. On Sunday,20th March 2022 the family will gather in the Churchyard to celebrate and give thanks for the life of this remarkable local benefactor. Read more about Issac Jackson here

Planting up the beds

 

Having given some thought to the subject it was decided to plant up with a mixture of some perennials, herbs and native plants. The accent would always be on providing for pollinators. In preparation months before some plants had been split up and potted on from stock at home. Varieties such as Foxgloves and Lemon Balm were planted incorporating an organic fertilizer to encourage root growth. Watering was going to be essential and we are very grateful to people who have kept an eye on these and ensured they never dry out. Thank you.

The Flower beds next to the Path

 The railings that line the path down from Church Street South have two inset planting areas situated either side and  towards the top of the path just down from the steps. The railings frame three sides of both beds. Both beds were choked with grass and tangled roots. Early in 2019 it was decided to plant these up with flowering plants that would attract pollinators. Digging the beds over was a challenge but they were turned over and after much hoeing and raking a decent planting medium was achieved.                  Next the rewarding part for any gardener, planting up!

The Path from Church Street South

 The path from Church St South cuts through the churchyard and joins the open paved area with the other path from the centre of the village. Over the past number of years the path had built up a covering of old leaves which were rotting down to provide a growing medium for grass and moss leaving only the centre of the surface to function as a path. Clearing the path was an essential task and several hours later having removed twenty barrow loads of good compostable material we have a lovely clean tarmac path, the surface of which is in remarkably good condition. Under this material at the bottom of the path was revealed a grid well and truly clogged. Another job for another day!                                                     

Thank you for reading and please do check back for updates.

Introduction

All Saints Old Glossop Churchyard is situated in the village of Old Glossop Derbyshire. A picturesque village with views of the adjacent hills from the churchyard. The churchyard was last used for burials in 1938 and has a considerable number of old gravestones and some interesting monumental memorials.

As with many churchyards it has seen minimum maintenance apart from regular grass strimming and no use of any chemicals including pesticides so it is a wonderful rich soil with quite a healthy worm and insect population.

Our aim is to tidy up the general structure and planting areas, introduce fresh plants that will encourage pollinators and also provide additional  habitats for the existing insect and bird species.

This is a long term project but we feel perfectly achievable.

Please do check back regularly as we post our progress.