• March 28, 2024
 “Google maps for graves” to provide searchable online database

“Google maps for graves” to provide searchable online database

A project that has been termed “Google maps for graves” intends to map and photograph the Church of England’s 19,000 church graveyards, with the aim of recording every grave, headstone and memorial.

Surveyors with sophisticated backpack scanners are currently engaged in taking measurements, with the initial scanning due to be finished by spring 2022.

Speaking to the i newspaper, surveyor Aaron Lawson explained the process:

“This backpack has two layers of scanners, five cameras and a GPS antenna. So as I am walking among the gravestones, it is capturing the details of every one, including any legible inscriptions. This equipment allows us to survey a site quickly and efficiently so we can use the data to create an accurate map. We can then add photos and burial records.”

The project, partly funded by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will create a searchable online database that should prove invaluable to anyone looking for an ancestor’s final resting place. It will also provide each church with the same standardised electronic records of their graves as well as a lasting record of gravestone inscriptions.

The ultimate goal is for the system also to include marriage and baptism records, so it is possible to search for where an individual was baptised, married and buried.

While it won’t be possible to map a grave that is not marked by a headstone, it could still be recorded on the system based on a church’s own burial records.

Once finished, the project will provide free access to basic information although full details and images will be behind a paywall.

Venerable Richard Pratt, Archdeacon of West Cumberland, told the i:

“Most churchyards do have plans, but they tend to be handwritten on bits of paper and are often big so difficult to copy. This project will give really good online access to records and much more accurate and up-to-date information and help vicars organise their churches.”

 

Fraser and Fraser is one of the UK’s largest firms of professional genealogists and international probate researchers, and is a corporate member of APR (Association of Probate Researchers).

The firm assists in specialist research and estate administration support services including; Missing Beneficiaries, Probate Property Assistance, Will Search and Medallion Signature Guarantee Stamp.

www.fraserandfraser.co.uk

 

This article was submitted to be published by Fraser and Fraser as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.

Fraser and Fraser

http://www.fraserandfraser.co.uk

Fraser and Fraser is one of the UK’s largest firms of professional genealogists and international probate researchers. We have provided a service to the highest standard for over half a century and have been at the forefront of evolving and improving the industry. We are also a corporate member of APR (Association of Probate Researchers). Our role is to assist in specialist research and estate administration support services, including; Missing Beneficiaries, Probate Property Assistance, Will Search and Medallion Signature Guarantee Stamp. We remain a family-run organisation and have grown the business to over 70 employees, including, in-house Case Managers, Case Assistants and Researchers who are backed by a network of Travelling Senior Researchers and International Manager; we work as a team to complete each job with speed and accuracy. Working alongside the legal profession, banks and a number of division within the public sector, each referral is treated on a case-by-case basis, as we ourselves on our commitment and clarity. Our clients are diverse and so are their requests which is why we offer a wide range of services. Finding Missing Beneficiaries Locating missing heirs and beneficiaries is at the heart of our business. As one of the largest international probate researchers, we will tailor our service so that it is unique to you. Probate Search Services Are you looking for a Will search or bankruptcy search? Do you need to obtain proof of transferability via a Nil Rate Band Check, or birth, death or marriage certificates? Asset Management We have a dedicated asset department, which covers all aspects of asset management including stocks, shares and property management services. Probate Insurance Service We can obtain both Missing Will Insurance and Missing Beneficiary Insurance on your behalf. Research Assessment the quick and efficient way to receive an expert opinion on your family tree research. Probate Property Services Providing assistance with valuation, insurance, clearance and sale of a property. So, whether you are looking to trace a missing beneficiary named in a Will, need to obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee or require an international bankruptcy search, we are here to help you. Get in touch today by calling 020 7832 1400 or email legal@fraserandfraser.co.uk quoting TWPJR to find out Fraser and Fraser can help you and your clients. Contact | Nick Howitt – Business Development Manager Telephone | 020 7832 1400 Email | nickhowitt@fraserandfraser.co.uk Address | 39 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EH DX | 53304 Clerkenwell