If you are able to tell us about the life of your relations or friends buried at St John's please let us know. We have found out some fascinating details because people were good enough to come forward and tell us. 

Examples:

George Thomason, Military Medal holder, saved the life of Queen Elizabeth II's Uncle Viscount Lascelles

Sgt Major Thomas Harrison, 2nd West India Regiment; denied full military honours at burial due to a technical issue to do with his pension, the streets were lined with thousands on the day of his burial 

William Fisher: 'Private Jack Fisher' a boxing champion during and after his military service

Thomas Brassington: Timpani  player for 36 years at Dudley Opera house

 We have a large number of military graves from all three forces represented at St John's. Plus some on which there is no indication on the grave regarding the military achievements of the deceased.

Please let us know as much as you can about the military stories at St John's.

FACT did you know there is a plaque to a Dambuster inside the church? Flt Sgt Stephen Burns.

FACT the grave of George Thomason at St John's does not indicate that he was awarded the Military Medal and saved the life of a member of the Royal Family in WW1 - we now have the story courtesy of his nephew 

FACT we have at least eleven Commonwealth (protected) graves   

FACT The local Ex Servicemens Club, RAFA and British Legion are following our work very closely. We hope to do something to celebrate Remembrance Day this year.                     

 As the grounds clearance continues we have noticed flowers appearing on many graves which could not previously be accessed. We would welcome feedback from you about how you felt when you found the grave accessible again, how long it had been since you had seen the grave and what prompted you to visit and see if you could find the grave.

savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk

 Now located:

Tipton Slasher (William Perry, Champion Bare Knuckle fighter in England 1850-1857) 

Julia and Thomas Hanson (Hansons Beer)

Marion Richardson (Educational Pioneer, handwriting,art and penal reform) 

William Masefield (William Masefield Chapter, Grand Provincial Lodge of Worcester)

Mary Ann Mason (Her gravestone is the only one in the UK as far as we know so far to show the name of her murderer, Joseph Meadows)

Rev Noott, Vicar at St John's for 63 years until 1905. Godson of Edward Jenner inventor of smallpox vaccination. Married into Hickman family 'Hickman Park' Bilston and founder of Wolves Football Club. 

 Email us for a copy of the graveyard plan

savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk

Enquire with Dudley Archives about the Memorial Inscriptions - this will give you the location on the plan. You may have to visit in person or pay for a researcher.

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/local-history--heritage/archive-and-local-history/visiting-the-archives

Be prepared for disappointment - clearance has revealed many areas where the graves have simply disappeared. However many remain remarkably intact and legible. 

Please note we cannot yet provide a family history research service or a gravefinder service, but if after your research you let us know the section and row number of the grave we will go and see if we can find the grave for you, and send a digital photograph by email if you live out of the area. 

 Can you help with more information about the following family or individual graves:

Bunn (Bunn's Lane?)

Dando (Dando Road?)

Marsh (large monument at bottom of graveyard)

Caldicotts (by West Door)

Smart (By Vestry door)

Hillman (former Mayor)

Meredith Grave (Top of main path by church)

Downing Graves (bottom left of graveyard) 

 If you are living abroad or for a legitimate reason cannot tend the grave please write to St John's Church Preservation Group, The Old School House, St John's Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 7JT giving details and written permission for us to tend the grave on your behalf. 

 Are you willing to 'adopt' an untended grave and look after it?

savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk

 Every Saturday 10.30am, Tuesdays 10am and Thursdays 6pm please come and help

Ring 0787 119 5042 if in doubt re weather.

We welcome new researchers to assist with finding out more about the St John's Church graveyard