Stories from St Thomas Church Graveyard, Market Rasen
The graveyard closed in 1854, there were reports of bones falling out of graves! (Local newspaper). The new cemetery was opened in Legsby Road.

There are many gravestones in the old graveyard that can be read. These photographs were taken in 2017, the wording may not be as clear now. 2020.
GREENWOOD
Sybelley Greenwood wife of Thomas 1740-1785; Mary Greenwood died 1816, age 63
Thomas Greenwood died 1819 aged 84; George Greenwood died 1832 aged 53 or 55.
Thomas Greenwood in 1798 was living in property of Sol Waters, as listed in UK, Land Tax Redemption 1798.
Thomas Greenwood in 1818 Poll Book, is listed as a Saddler.
Scared to Memory of Horatio Greenwood (who dept this life) February 21st 1844 age 37 years.
Horatio Thomas son of Horatio and Elizabeth Greenwood who departed this life September28th 1836, one year and six months.
“my wife and children dear ed for me are all in vain
need nor fear shall meet again”
Thomas son of Beth Greenwood this life 1836
Buried Thomas Greenwood age 77 July 31st
SHARKEY
Elizabeth daughter of Patrick and Sarah Sharkey died 22nd September 1829 aged 15years and
Mary who died 17th June 1832 aged 18yrs
Patrick Sharkey was born in Ireland in 1791, he married Sarah Newcombe in Market Rasen on 5th January 1814. Their Twin Girls were baptised in Horncastle on 5th October 1814. Patrick is listed as a soldier.
1826 Market Rasen directory lists Patrick as the Governor of the Workhouse, Saddler’s Lane. He buried his daughters in 1829 and 1832. In August 1851, Sarah is sent to Lincoln Lunatic Asylum/Hospital for the second time, this is where she died. She was buried in Market Rasen on 25th in March 1852. Patrick died and was buried on 20th January 1854.
CROOPER
Samuel CROOPER 1792-1841
Samuel was born in Laceby in 1792, his parents Robert and Ann.
1809 Articles Of Clerkship
1818 Poll Book listed as Esquire of Market Rasen. 1818 Dec 1st joined Grimsby Freemason Lodge – Esquire of Market Rasen. 1826/1835 Listed as Samuel Crooper Esq., King Street. Trade Directories. 1834 Lindsey Freemason Lodge- Gent of Rasen, his bother Robert was listed as Surveyor of Louth
1841 census living in King Street, Market Rasen
1841 29th September Samuel died, 30th September Inquest held before Mr Marris, died of Sanguineous apoplexy. He was buried on 2nd October.
FREER
Thomas Freer, a boot and shoe maker, George Street. Thomas died age 62 years on 14th December 1849.
His name on the gravestone is disappearing fast. In 1980s his headstone read
“Thomas Freer died Decr 14th 1849 aged 61 or 2 and Susannah his wife May 9th 1855 age 6 yrs”
In 2011, I recorded “ory m homas Freer died Decr 14th 184 aged 62 sannah his wif”

The Photograph above was taken in 2017, the top section had broken off, the weather and vandalism.
BARNETT
“Rest the remains of the Revd Matthew Barnett and Mary his wife also those of their two
daughters Mary and Anne Barnett. All of whose deaths are recorded on tablets within
this church 1895”
Matthew 1762-1833; Mary 1760-1849; Mary 1831, aged 41; Anne 1846,aged 53
1812-1833, Curate of Market Rasen; Ludford Parva; Usselby; North Willingham

BARTON
Zephaniah Barton M.D and his wife Jane. A fine tombstone for the family
more details on Dr Barton and his family under Trades-Doctors and Chemists

John AUDIS Gent
John Audis was born in 1745 and died on 14th February 1823, he was buried on 20th February 1823, formerly of West Torrington.
listed as John AUDIFS, aged 78
1799 West Torrington, listed as a tenant of Sir Robert Hensley Baronet, paying £6 18s. 1818 Poll Book-John is listed as a Gentleman living in Market Rasen.

Thomas LEE
1787-1830 Thomas LEE Grandson in law to the above, who departed this life on May 31st 1830. He was buried on 4th June.

Mary LEE
1774-1831
Mary LEE Daughter in law of the above named John Audis, who died November 23rd and buried on 26th November 1831.
In the register her first name is not recorded.
Catherine LEE
1772-1844 Catherine LEE died 20th December 1844 and was buried on 26th


The Lincolnshire Family History Society several years ago recorded the grave makers, a copy is in the church ( subject to new rules).