Burial and Death in Colonial North America: Exploring Interment Practices and Landscapes in 17th-Century British Settlements

This book explores the organization of early British colonial burial grounds on the northeast coast of North America in the 17th century, aiming to fill a gap in documentation. It examines the relationships between burial grounds and settlements, providing insight into how settlers related to mortality and handled the reality of death. The results can be applied to archaeological or historical research on colonial settlements that have not yet located their earliest burial ground.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2020
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

While late 17th- and 18th-century burial grounds of colonial North America are frequently the subject of research, wide-scale studies of 17th-century burial landscapes are often the less documented aspect of these sites. This book aims to fill some of that gap by exploring the relationships and organization of early British colonial burial grounds within the context of their own settlements and the wider northeast coast. Early settlers immigrated to North America for many reasons, and there, away from the Church of England, they could freely explore their relationship with their faith, community, and death, represented today through the organization of their burial landscapes and burial practices. By studying the relationship between burial grounds and their associated settlements, we gain a more holistic understanding of how settlers related to, interpreted, and ultimately handled the reality of human mortality.

This book examines the organization of 40 burial grounds founded by British settlers on the northeast coast of North America in the 17th century, with the intention of identifying trends in burial ground organization during this period of early colonization. The results can be applied to archaeological or historical research on colonial settlements that have not yet located their earliest burial ground. The book expands the current knowledge base of settler relationships with mortality through the physical placement of burials and interaction with burial landscapes within their new settlements.

Early settlers in North America sought to establish new lives in a foreign land, driven by various motivations such as religious freedom, economic opportunities, and political aspirations. As they arrived in the region, they encountered a landscape vastly different from their homeland, with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural resources. However, one aspect that remained constant was their need to address the issue of death and mortality.

In the early days of colonization, burial practices were often influenced by the religious beliefs and customs of the settlers. Many of the early British settlers were Protestants, who came from a tradition that emphasized individual salvation and the importance of personal faith. As a result, they tended to prioritize the burial of their loved ones in private, family-owned plots, often within the boundaries of their settlements. These burial grounds served as a physical manifestation of their religious beliefs and values, providing a sense of comfort and closure for the bereaved families.

At the same time, the settlers also recognized the need for a communal burial ground that could accommodate the growing population of their settlements. These communal burial grounds were typically located outside the town boundaries, often on the outskirts of the settlement. They were designed to serve as a final resting place for all members of the community, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. These burial grounds were often overseen by a local committee or governing body, which ensured that the grounds were maintained and respected.

One of the key trends observed in the organization of 17th-century burial grounds was the emphasis on spatial arrangement. The burial grounds were carefully planned and laid out, with specific sections designated for different religious denominations or social groups. For example, there might be a section reserved for Protestants, another for Catholics, and a third for members of the community who were not affiliated with any particular religion. This spatial arrangement was intended to promote harmony and respect among the different groups within the settlement.

Another trend observed in the organization of 17th-century burial grounds was the use of symbolism and symbolism. The burial grounds were often adorned with various symbols and markers, such as gravestones, monuments, and memorials. These symbols served as a way to commemorate the lives of the deceased and to provide a sense of permanence and significance to the burial ground. They might include images of religious figures, symbols of mortality, or personal inscriptions that expressed the values and beliefs of the deceased.

In addition to the spatial arrangement and symbolism, the organization of 17th-century burial grounds was also influenced by the social and economic structures of the community. The burial grounds were often used as a means of social control and hierarchy. The wealthier members of the community were often buried in more prominent and elaborate plots, while the poorer members were buried in less prominent and simple plots. This was intended to reflect the social status and hierarchy of the community and to ensure that the deceased were treated with respect and dignity.

Overall, the organization of 17th-century burial grounds in colonial North America reflected the complex and multifaceted nature of the early settler community. These burial grounds served as a physical manifestation of their religious beliefs, values, and social structures, providing a sense of comfort and closure for the bereaved families and a means of promoting harmony and respect among the different groups within the settlement.

In conclusion, the study of 17th-century burial landscapes in colonial North America offers a valuable insight into the complex relationship between early settlers and mortality. By examining the organization of these burial grounds within the context of their own settlements and the wider northeast coast, we gain a more holistic understanding of how settlers related to, interpreted, and ultimately handled the reality of human mortality. The trends observed in the burial ground organization during this period, such as the emphasis on spatial arrangement, symbolism, and social and economic structures, provide valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the early settler community.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 257 x 199 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789730463