Last week our graveyard volunteers uncovered a new gravestone which had been hidden for years under soil and undergrowth.

The grave belongs to the Burnett family from Gateshead and reads as follow:

The family burial place of
John Burnett
of Saltwell, Gateshead
who died June 11th 1863. Aged 43 years.

Also
In memory of
John George Burnett
second son of the above
who died at
Sidney, New South Wales
August 21st 1879 aged 24 years

We are now trying to find out some more information about this family. Why were they buried in Benwell when they were from Gateshead? What was John George Burnett doing in Sydney? What happenend to the rest of the family?

If you know anything about the Burnetts please get in touch!