Aug 2026 - Why do 'edits' matter?

This has come up recently; I've been working through a backlog of over 250 photo requests, a lot waiting for 3-6 years to find a loved one's last resting place, family history research. A lot of the requests were plot numbers less than 100, I know why these have not been processed by other volunteers who have done an amazing job of recording on the site - memorials and photos, as it's a complicated process to find them.

If every grave had a headstone it would be easy, but sadly they don't, they may never have had one, there may have been a wooden memorial which has perished over time, locating the graves without headstones is just as important as locating the ones with.

Newport, Lincoln UK site is divided into lettered sections with most sections being plot 100+. All the plot numbers less than 100 could be in one of 5 sections related to the original churchyard of St Nicholas or the early part of Newport Cemetery when it first opened, before the large expansion of the site.

In order to clear the low plot number requests I have done a lot of research to identify which section the specific plot is in, bearing in mind the length of wait for the person requesting the photo. Asking for a photo of plot C14, there are 5 possible plot C14's and assuming it is plot C14, there could be further potential plots C1 4 (2 of) or as I have come across a digit missing I.e, C147, C1 14 which again increases the potential plots it could be.

In addition to this the early burial records shown online either don't show which section it is at all, the plot number only or were vague I.e. C14 old ground / new ground, which reduces the possibilities, but doesn't make the identification of the plot unique, further research is required to ensure locating the specific plot.

As I've worked through these requests I've located the specific grave for each one, to ensure this valuable information is recorded for future generations and more importantly anyone wanting to see their loved one's final resting place or visit the graves. I request 'edits' there has been a few hundred so far and the ones that have been processed to date are being accepted. I can prove / explain why I've requested one if required, but I feel strongly they are important, otherwise why have a plot number shown at all if it's not important where they are?

If I request an edit it's so we can record important information on the site. Without it I couldn't have taken a photo of a grave.

July 2026 NEWPORT Cemetery, Lincoln UPDATE;

The low plot numbers only - plots numbered 1-85 are in the centre of the site, the letter prefix is the row number not the section.

There are 5 possible sections; Old Ground Blue (ogb), Old Ground Pink (ogp), New Ground Blue (ngb), New Ground Pink (ngp), Special Section.

Some of these 5 sections have short rows, some long I.e. the special section only has rows A to G plot number 1-30 so if looking for a plot M37 it's not going to be in there. I am working through the low plot numbers to see which of the 5 sections they could be in so when I visit I know where to go.

If there is a low plot number that could be in more than one section ie A12, as there is a plot A12 in all 5 sections then I would need either a headstone to confirm and photograph or on Deceased Online the 'burial register scan' which depending on the year would show the plot number and the section I.e. A12 new ground blue, so far I've only seen on year 1905+ burial records showing sections for these low plot numbers.

With these low plot numbers I am suggesting edits for the plot numbers on the Find a Grave records to indicate the section to make it clearer Ie.from A12 to A12 ngb otherwise if you have A12 only shown as the plot on Find a Grave it could be 1 of 5 graves.

I've come across a few graves listed with digits missing from the plot numbers. In old ground pink and new ground pink there are rows A-Z then they go a1…b1.. some of these graves are missing the '1's off the plot descriptions I.e. A20 was actually A1 20, C28 was actually C1 28, I suggest edits to plot references to add missing details, if they are incorrect, incomplete or require further detail to identify the section location.

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I've been working on my family trees on and off for the past 15 years and find family history fascinating. Looking for people and learning something about their lives, however, short or long. I feel it is helpful having information on graves, it brings some comfort to those searching for loved ones. For some, it's a place to visit and pay their respects, for others, an opportunity to see the grave they wouldn't otherwise have.

I've only recently become a photo volunteer and I'm focusing on Newport Cemetery at the moment, as there appears to be a bit of a long list, with quite a few requests waiting around 5 years. I leave a flower as a symbol of peace and respect on all the graves I visit and photograph.

With a plot number I am tracking down each plot focusing at the moment on the plot numbers +100 which are within each letter prefix section. If there is a headstone / memorial I will try to take several photos as clear as possible and also some context of its location. If there is no headstone or memorial I will show the plot, with and without an indication of the grave, as photographing some grass doesn't always help, especially in areas with lots of graves with no headstones, I hope you find this helpful.

There are a lot of people waiting for photos with plot numbers in single or double figures at Newport Cemetery, there is a reason these may not have been located and photographed. The low plot numbers are not located within the letter prefix sections. A lot of the low numbered plots are located in the middle of the site between the war cross and St Nicholas church. On the site plans shown on the entrance boards these areas are labelled as new ground pink and blue, old ground pink and blue and special section. As soon as I've completed the higher numbers I'll try to find some of the lower numbers, these areas are a lot more difficult.

If I've created a memorial ID it's because I've taken a photo of the plot and wanted to ensure all occupants are recorded, I would be very happy to transfer memorials which are not my family.