Churchyard
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Lillington's churchyard provides a tranquil green space in the heart of Lillington. The churchyard has two parts: the upper 'old' churchyard adjacent to the church, and the 'new' churchyard which was opened in 1932. AccessThere are three entrances to the old churchyard, one directly onto Vicarage Road which has a notable gradient up towards the church, one on the corner of Church Lane and Vicarage Road, where there is a step up, and one part way down Church Lane where there is a lychgate (see left) and a level entrance. |
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The latter is the most suitable for disabled set-down and access, although there is a gentle gradient up towards the church and the distance to the church is a little longer.The Compton GatewayThe Compton Gateway (see right) links the old and new churchyards. This is so called because it is believed to have been a rare example of the work of Mary Fraser-Tytler, leader of the Compton Potters' Arts Guild. It is constructed of masonry and iron: according to an architect's report, it appears that the masonry is actually terracotta. The base of the west elevation is stamped 'Potters Arts Guild Compton Guildford'. More research is to be conducted to verify when it was commissioned. The Gateway is dedicated to the memory of Ronald Irwin M.A., D.S.O., M.C. . |
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Wildflowers and WildlifeFrom the carpets of snowdrops to daffodils and cherry blossom, there is always something to see in the winter and springtime.Of particular note are the wild primroses, which appear across swathes of the old churchyard, adorning monuments and lining the footpath. Depending on when you visit, you will also find bluebells, harebells, lesser celandines, blue and white wood anemones, saxifrage, speedwell, ground elder, narcissi and others besides. Care is taken to preserve the wildfower areas. As well as the flowers, you might well see foxes, or at least their tracks in the winter snow. Wild birds are encouraged with nest boxes and seed feeders. |
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Monuments and MemorialsMany of the gravestones in the old churchyard were moved a long time ago, creating the space one sees today. In the early twentieth century, it was very crowded indeed. However, there are records of all the burial plots. The churchyard is closed to new burials (i.e. is full) except under specific circumstances. Click here for a leaflet concerning burials, interment of ashes, headstones and grave maintenance.For a list of Lilllington's Monumental Inscriptions, follow this link. There are known to be a couple of errors on the MI list. (Details to follow!) The list appears to have been originally compiled in the mid 1980's. For information on names/burials beyond that date, the church office can refer directly to the burials book. We are beginning to investigate the lives of notable persons buried in the churchyard. The first to date is J W Greaves, whose story is told in The Slate Connection page. We also have the grave of Alexander Lodge, third son of Sir Oliver Lodge FRS. With his brother Brodie he set up Lodge Bros to develop and produce spark plugs originally invented by his father. He lived next door to the churchyard, and wished to be buried at the far end of the churchyard, as close as possible to his beloved garden. If you know any significant stories, please let the church office or the webmaster know. The War MemorialLillington's War Memorial stands outside the West end of the church. Behind it are the lists of the fallen in both World Wars and also a memorial to Ronald Irwin, a vicar of Lillington (and first Archdeacon of Dorking when the new diocese of Guildford was created) who died from wounds received in the Great War. Mouseover the picture of either list of names (above, right) and right-click + save to get a full resolution image of the inscription. On Remembrance Sunday there is a Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial. This page will shortly be updated with links to photos of names and some details of the individuals named. |
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