Genealogy Chat

Thanks for sharing this. An interesting and tragic story. Kinda reminds me of a Thomas Hardy novel (Tess of the Turbevilles). As another poster said, I think this type of thing wasn't at all uncommon.

So sad indeed. But think of all the people here in her future, full of concern and compassion for her and the baby. (Not so many for Big John, however. Well, innocent or not he did live to fight another day.) Maybe I'm nuts but I like to think the fact that we care adds a few positive vibes to the universe...

Tina I'd already DONE that story, in my head, which is why I was sobbing..... I think it was the final insult 'unshriven' which did it - poor Jane, did she get buried at the edge of the Churchyard, did they bury her dead baby with her? I really am far too sensitive for this hobby. Olde Crone

very sad story. pardon my ignorance but what did unshriven mean at that time??

Unshriven meant she had died in a state of mortal sin, a double whammy in her case, as 1) No one had heard her confession before she died. 2) She had not been 'Churched' after the birth of her stillborn child. Some hardline Vicars would have forbidden her burial in the Churchyard proper - its unclear what happened in her case, but I think the marginal note of 'unshriven' must be significant, I didnt see it anywhere else in this Register. Olde Crone

Marjorie It is a sad hobby but at least comfort yourself wondering what Jane would think if she knew you were so upset about her after all this time. Debby