_North Sides of Churchyards_ (Vol. ii., p. 93.).--In an appendix to our
registers I find the following entry, where I conceive the _backside_ means
the northside. Though now the whole of our churchyard is so full that we
have much difficulty in finding any new ground, what we do find, however,
is on the north side.
"1750, Oct. 23. One Mary Davies, of Pentrobin, single woman, though
excommunicated with the _Greater Excommunication_, was on this day,
_within night_, on account of some particular circumstances alleged by
neighbours of credit in her favour (as to her resolving to come and
reconcile herself, and do penance if she recovered), indulged by being
interred on the _backside_ the church, but no service or tolling
allowed."
From this I conclude that _here_ at least there was no part of the
churchyard left unconsecrated for the burial of persons excommunicate, as
one of your correspondents suggests; or burial in such place would have
been no indulgence, as evidently it was regarded in this case. It would be
interesting to ascertain from accredited instances _how late_ this power of
excommunication has been _exercised_, and thereby how long it has really
been in abeyance. I expect the period would not be found so great as is
generally imagined.