1700’s – The Sailors’ Society

 
In the 18th century, The Sailors’ Society was formed as a type of friendly society, who aimed to provide for the decent burial of deceased members and certain non-members, who were charged a fee for a burial plot. The burial ground was in the ruins of St James’ chapel. They built the wall round the cemetery in 1752. Precisely why the wall was built is not known; it may have been as protection against grave-robbers, or as a retaining wall for earth as the ground level rose inside the cemetery.

The society was dissolved some time in the late 18th century, and then reconstituted in October 1818. The former members adopted the existing rules of the original society. Members paid an entry fee, which covered the eventual cost of their burial, contributed to the upkeep of the graveyard, and contributed to a form of social security. Some burials were provided gratis to non-members, and on occasion loans were provided to repair wells, support the needy and fend off starvation.