Cemeteries and monumental inscriptions reading list

Inscriptions on gravestones and memorials can be a rich source of information for the family historian. The British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia (BACSA) is the primary organisation collating transcripts of inscriptions from churches and graveyards across Asia, and their publications form the bulk of the recommendations contained in this reading list.

Southern Asia

• Davies, Vincent

A short history of Patna & Dinapore and their British cemeteries. London: BACSA, 1989

In addition to the transcripts there are biographical notes, illustrations and two maps.

• Davies, Vincent

A short history of Monghyr and its British cemeteries. London: BACSA, 2003

The 235 tombstones recorded tell the story of this 'Invalid' station from 1768. With the modern name of Munger this town is in Bihar. With illustrations, maps and plans.

• Farrington, Susan

Peshawar Cemetery, Pakistan. BACSA, 1988

Around 900 monumental inscriptions dating from 1849. Profusely illustrated and with helpful plans.

• Farrington, Susan

Peshawar: monumental inscriptions II. BACSA, 1991

This additional volume contains more inscriptions from churches and other cemeteries, and is once again profusely illustrated.

• Shellim, Maurice

South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta. 2nd ed. BACSA, 1986

This slim booklet covers the progress in restoring "The Great Cemetery". It provides information on some of the most important monuments and their occupants. Includes eight illustrations and two plans.

• LaBouchardiere, Basil

French Cemetery, Calcutta. BACSA, 1983

This cemetery was cleared in 1977 and a complete record made of all inscriptions. The 28 page booklet contains eight illustrations and four maps/plans.

Southeast Asia

• Harfield, Alan

Bencoolen : the Christian Cemetery and the Fort Marlborough monuments. BACSA, 1985

British graves in Sumatra between 1685 and 1825. Includes 35 illustrations and four maps/plans.

• Harfield, Alan

Penang and Perak : Christian cemeteries. BACSA, 1987

• Harfield, Alan

Singapore : early cemeteries. BACSA, 1988 A comprehensive record of all main cemeteries.

General

• The Forgotten Irish : memorials of the Raj, compiled by Eileen Hewson.

Wem: Kabristan Archives, 2004

This contains "1194 entries [for Irish men, women and children], the vast majority drawn from cemeteries, churches or memorials in the sub-continent and Ireland (just over 500 from each), but there are also a few from Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sumatra, Japan, Macao, Java, England and Wales. The entries cover persons in all walks of life though the largest group are soldiers (both officers and other ranks)... The details given may often be fairly basic but for 400 individuals the author has been able to provide fuller biographies... Brief details of many of the places where the cemeteries and memorials are sited are also given. Among the ancillary information is a useful list of the names and numbers of the former Irish infantry regiments, and a helpful bibliography..." The full review by David Blake is on pp.50-51 of FIBIS Journal 13 (Spring 2005)

• A Handbook for Irish war graves in India, Burma and beyond, compiled by Eileen Hewson.

Wem: Kabristan Archives, 2005

This sequel to The Forgotten Irish brings the coverage into the Twentieth Century. Over 650 entries from war graves and war memorials in India, Burma, Indonesia, Malaya and Ceylon, with the majority being deaths from the two world wars. "[T]he author has compiled another very useful work of reference for family history researchers whose ancestors come within her remit." The review by David Blake is on p.48 of FIBIS Journal 15 (Spring 2006)