Churchyard

Our ancient churchyard has been a focal point for the village for many centuries. Regularly visited by relatives, passers-by and those visiting the church and churchyard (especially the musicians’ graves), a lot of work by our team of dedicated volunteers goes into maintaining it as a place of peace and beauty. We are always grateful for the donations we receive to help maintain its upkeep.

The oldest part of the churchyard lies on the right as you walk up the ironstone path from the medieval lychgate.

Under the west window is the double grave of the Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779-1859) and Sir John Elphinstone (1807-1860), outstanding administrators in western India and distant relatives of our present Queen.

Amongst the musicians buried in the churchyard are Dr Eileen Joyce, the Australian born pianist, Sir Thomas Beecham the eminent British conductor, Normal Del Mar, another celebrated conductor, Frederick Delius and his wife Jelka. Delius is among the greatest of British composers and was a friend of Beatrice Harrison, who charmed the nightingales and is buried with her musical sisters in the churchyard. Jack Brymer the celebrated clarinettist whose career began when selected by Sir Thomas Beecham for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the most recent musician to be buried here.

It is said that an unbeliever lies beneath the monkey puzzle tree. Buried with an acorn in his mouth, he said that if an oak tree grew up it would be proof of his resurrection. The acorn was planted but grew up as a monkey puzzle tree!​

A guide for visitors to the churchyard can be found inside the church entrance.

Burial space is limited but open to those who meet certain criteria and we have more space for the Burial of Ashes.
​To find out who can be buried and the types of burials, headstones and ways of remembering a loved one that are available at St Peter’s, please click here to view a PDF copy of our Churchyard Regulations.