Has there been any expenditure upon it for rendering it attractive by planting or ornamenting it?—In former years it was planted with trees or shrubs; but as compared with the cemeteries it cannot pretend to any attractions.
Is there anything in the circumstances of the establishment of the burial ground and chapel for St. James which do not render it a fair example of any similar measure for an equivalent population in these times?—There appear to be no circumstances to prevent it being considered a fair example.
§ 108. The following is the account of the St. Martin’s suburban burial ground, given by Mr. Le Breton, the clerk to the guardians of the parish:—
What is the provision made for the burial of the poorer classes in the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields?—The burial ground in Drury-lane in 1804 was considered to be full, when four acres of ground, situate at Camden-town, were purchased and used as a cemetery. The plot was then in what was considered the country: the distance of the spot is rather more than two miles from the workhouse. Since its institution it has been completely surrounded by houses, and they are now building close against the wall of the burial ground. Originally it was designed as a better sort of burial ground, but since loss has been incurred by it and it has not been found to be attractive; two hundred pounds have recently been expended upon it in planting it. Formerly it was so wet that when persons went to funerals there they often found that the coffin was let down several feet in water or mire. This created an unpleasant sensation, and the ground was drained at a great expense into the Fleet-ditch. The objection as to the wetness of the ground does not now exist.
What have been the expenses, and the numbers of interments and charges of the burial ground?—(The following statement was given in answer to this question.)
| The original cost of forming ground, &c., was about | £2,000 | |
| The price is a perpetual rent-charge of, for the 4 acres, per annum | £100 = £3,000 | |
| Establishment Charges:— | ||
| Chaplain’s salary per annum | £60 | |
| Sexton’s salary per annum | £50 | |
| Keeping up ground by gardener | £20 | |
| Paving rate per annum | £30 | |
| Compensation to St. Pancras | £5 | |
| The chaplain and sexton have houses to dwell in, which are kept in repair, insured, and the taxes paid by the parish at a considerable expense | £30 | |
A private Act of Parliament was obtained, but at what cost does not appear.
The burial ground was formed in 1804, and the charges of it to this date have exceeded £10,000 beyond the fees received.
| From 20th March, 1806, to 1st December, 1842. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total number of burials at Camden-town since the formation of the ground | 10,982 | |
| Of these were non-parishioners | 1,987 | |
| Of these were paupers | 4,624 | |
| Of these were buried in the cheapest ground where monuments are not allowed | 1,062 | |
| All burials for St. Martin in the Fields, 1841 | 522 | |
| Registered deaths, 1841 | 589 | |
Beyond the expense of the establishment, have any inconveniences been the subject of complaint by the parishioners?—Yes; that the hours appointed by the chaplain are not those most suited for interments; that they are often driven off until late in the evening, and in consequence of the time being limited the service is performed in a hurried manner. In respect to position, the cemetery appears to be convenient, and no one within the district complains of any offence arising from it. My own view is that there ought to be a central or some other supervision over cemeteries: if there be not there will only be abuses and grounds of dissatisfaction.