Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History Overchurch Graves Stones

The first church in Upton or Overchurch is said to date back to 700 - 900ad making it of Anglo Saxon origin. The church was built opposite where Upton Manor stands now just off Moreton Spur on the Overchurch. Nothing is left of the building and the area is now a small wild wood. Some time after the church was destroyed, another church was built on the same site. We can only speculate on the date but due to artifact finds over the years I believe it to be of Norman origin (1066 - 1216 ad).

The interest in the church does not stop there as the old church was surrounded by a burial ground, which despite the
proximity to the local estates; is in good condition and lays covered by foliage which hides the artifacts. Most people in the area who have lived there for years do not even know it exists. The burial ground is a mass of trees, brambles, root grass and undergrowth. The old tombstones are scattered around the small site amongst the ever increasing wilds. The only stone that is now legible dates back to 1745.

The only grave which had any writing on which could be made out lay on its own in the undergrowth. After cleaning it up as much as possible i could make out the following inscription:

"Here lyeth the body of Peter Lowe, who departed this life the 2nd of May aged 30 1745. Here ... (stone damaged and illegible).

In Norman Ellison's book 'The Wirral Peninsula', he describes another tombstone which cannot now be identified but read:

"George Lowe, Died on the homeward bound passage from Jamacia, August 4th 1806, ages 19 years".

Its deffo worth a visit if your in the area but i would only go on a nice day as it gets pretty muddy up there.

Full Story here

It's also a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so tread carefully!

I remember this being raised when they built the bypass.

Questions where asked wether the new road was going to disturb this area.

I have seen the stones, though it must have been 20ish years ago now...

wow - this is amazing - like stanlow abbey - just sitting there decaying.
i would love to see these. but as you say - i'll wait until its dry and tread carefully

They are worth a visit, and very interesting but can be a bit of a pain to find

this is amazing, i`ve been on your wirral site for about an hour and half now, great site
Thanks for sharing dr frick

The location you indicated is a bit out, the graveyard is actually almost directly behind the site of Kenilworth Gardens (the flats that were demolished some years ago) at the top of Gainsborough Road, there is a footpath at the side of the garages, the site of the church and the graveyard are ahead and to the left (it is surrounded by a low bank).

As mentioned, the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the only part that has as yet been excavated is the site of the church itself, and this was only to expose the foundations of the Norman church. It is though that there may also have been a village surrounding the church.

Yep that way is far easier, i came in just off the motorway and spent a good amount of time scouting around and slipping through mud until i found them

It would be nice to see the whole area excavated to see whats around, im sure there would be lots of Saxon / Norman finds around there.

What a fascinating story- i had no idea!! Thanks for sharing! Also ta for the map as this makes it so much easier to find- i hope!

what does this mean?

It could be a trap waiting to go off like you see in indiana jones?

A Scheduled Ancient Monument is a 'nationally important' archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change. It is a criminal offence to damage, remove or deface any part of it.

This particular 'Ancient Monument' is, however, totaly neglected, and has been for as long as I can remember. English Heritage are supposed to maintain it and a Field Monument Warden should monitor the site to check its condition and to report on damage etc.

thanks dr frick very interesting it would be great to have it excavated will try to find it when im over whats the feel of this place like does it have an atmosphere

thanks upton

To be honest i thought it woud be a bit scary. I went up there alone one afternoon but when i found the place it had nice feel to it, peaceful and not eiry at all. As i said unless you go in the correct way it could be difficult to find. Its a real shame that its been neglected and most of the tombstones seem to have been broken and vandalised. Worth taking a visit before theer illegible or destroyed.

Just watch out for the giant boulder and tribesman throwing spears !!