Exploring a forgotten nun cemetery in the woods - Voices heard

[@brianrowlands9751]

The nuns occupied that property from the early 1920s to late 1980s. The first names on the crosses are their 'religious' (saints) names, in Latinised form. Dame Flavia Maria Garland (Kathleen Garland) - grave with the stone cross - was abbess (Benedictine nuns use the title 'Dame' in some cases, rather than 'Sister', probably according to the degree of vows taken). In the 1930s/40s there were around 50 nuns and the area received a lot of Belgian refugees and evacuees from Liverpool during the war. The grotto and follies with shells predate the use of the house as an abbey by many many years. The crosses are probably tilted due to subsidence and water-logging and, no doubt, many more will topple over in due course.

[@janetgilesrudland1028]

What fascinating and fabulous place loved this video xx

[@maiatipton2107]

For a Benedictine cemetery, that is incredibly modern. In my personal opinion, it really needs to be restored to a respectful state, not pristine, but not so sadly overgrown and forgotten. Thank you so much for sharing it. A trip to Wales is on my radar, and this would be amazing to experience, with perhaps even a stay in the former monastery.

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Wonderful information! Thank you

[@JKThom-59]

TY for adding this information.

[@elodiedutroux5832]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Sarah-fy3qf]

I wouldn't mind being buried and left in peace like this. Earth to earth. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. What better place to become earth. No concrete, no cars. And the Nuns didn't believe anything but a shell was left any way, their souls were in heaven.

[@JB-Brack99]

I'm with you on that.

[@kevincharles1983]

I agree. They're truly resting in peace

[@andregould-287]

So sad the way the Graves are left!

[@FredSomerlot]

My heart is breaking, they gave there life to God and now are forgotten.

[@ViolentRainbow]

If all the graveyards in England were maintained forever then there would be no room for anything else, they're supposed to deteriorate over time.

[@marthavanbeek-putters]

I think it’s a shame all those forgotten graves of nuns. Thanks for taken us here with you. Martha

[@SarahLovesU2]

Creepy! I’m not sure I’d be so brave to venture into that grotto. Fantastic find though.

[@joelhurley2678]

Great video Dan and I do remember in the late 80s that there was a convent in England for at least a 100 to 200 years. They decided to close it down in the late 1980s. Cause it was a big article in my local newspaper where I was from in Michigan. What I don't understand is why didn't the Catholic Church have money set up for the cemetery to at least keep that upkeep for them. That is really sad that the church just abandoned them like that and did not take care of the cemetery. Great video thank you so much for sharon dan and glad to see you back

[@Eldarwen999]

With all the cash that the Catholic Church has, you would think that they would pay a person or two to maintain the cemetery. Don't count on the people who bought the land to do the maintenance. The sisters were at one time, living, breathing people.

[@davieee1168]

The UK is pretty atheist. Which means that there's no money from the church there.

[@Sarah_270]

You seem surprised.

[@brownie88ify]

I agree with you totally, people who dedicated their lives to God, and their graves are left to be covered in brush and scrub and a muddy bog. No respect at all for those women.

[@kasie680]

Don’t be silly! They are female, nuns take the vow of poverty, the church(men) don’t care about the ladies of god, they only care about themselves! And only spend church money if it benefits them

[@Mar--Mar]

The Council of Vatican 2 that occurred in the first half of the 1960s, and its aftermath, sounded a death knell for numerous Catholic orders and monasteries, and the female ones were affected worse than the male ones. God rest the souls of all those faithful nuns whose graves have been so neglected!

[@samsadventures4805]

RD - Reverend Daughter RS - Reverend sister A great video, sorry it was so sloppy underfoot...it's quite sad to see the graves in such a mess....x

[@rossjl]

@samsadventures4805 Rd actually means "Religious Defunctus" which translates from Latin as "Deceased Nun" Pax is Latin for peace Sr is short for Sister.

[@sandradring6265]

What a wonderful walk through a very unusual graveyard. So sad that aren’t being looked after. Loved the folly, very creepy though. I didn’t hear any voices sadly. Thanks for a great video.👍

[@cathys7087]

Wow - 1988 really isn’t that long ago.

[@stuartcunnington6283]

Thank you brother for showing respect to the nun's.I'm sure they appreciate your kind gestures.✌️👍

[@BradfordThroughTheLens]

Really interesting video. Thanks for bringing them to light and remembering them.

[@kimberlybates6261]

Really sad to see these women who devoted their lives to Christ to be forgotten like this. It's sad that the Catholic Church or some Catholic organization can't come in there and clean that up. If I lived there, I'd definitely get volunteers and do it. Humble Graves to women who took vows of poverty. Should not be resting among thrones and bushes and overgrown trees and plants. I'm not even Catholic, but I have known some nuns. Wonderful women, actually. They give up so much to help others. They deserve a better resting place.

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Well said !🌹🙏🏻

[@hopehope938]

I am not Catholic and I do agree with you 100%! Please see my post!

[@eugene-leveque]

I am Roman Catholic and i say Amen to that‼️ 🇻🇦💘💒💘🇲🇫 ❇🙌🏻❇ Be blessed Madame.

[@sharonclark-cd8ph]

This is a DISGRASE and an ABOMINATION! I've NEVER seen anything like this ever in a SACRED CEMETERY! The Catholic Church should be ashamed! But then, they SHOULD be ashamed about alot of things and they aren't!

[@janetslicer3637]

Wow, that was very interesting. Loved the iron crosses. It is odd that so many are on an angle like that. They seem so forgotten - how sad. Thank you for taking us there Dan, I appreciate that. Hope you are well.

[@LoriKasprzak-yk6nc]

It's nature's way to die & be forgotte; the toppled crosses do nothing to violate that. Their souls are known to God & none are forgotten to Him, be assured.

[@susansalter7543]

You've been missed, Dan.

[@karencook9490]

This was absolutely amazing ! The most interesting cemetery I've seen. I wish it could be cleaned up, maybe put a fence around it. Maybe use ground radar to get the exact spot for each grave. And there may be other graves amongst the overgrowth. Thanks for a great video !

[@PsyphaX09]

That's exactly what I'm thinking, a ground penetrating radar. Hopefully, there's also a surviving map of the graves to ensure the crosses are on the rightful place.

[@thatc0vidgirl]

I was thinking the same thing. Surely by now it would detect air pockets. Needs cleaning up- maintaining and correcting so it is presentable and respectful. They dug their own graves?! We don’t make death row inmates do that never mind pure women of God who gave their lives for the church! Xx

[@kimmykimak3737]

Hey Dan missed you! Spring is slowly creeping here 🇨🇦 too Just amazing place. Sorry your feet got wet and muddy

[@krissymarie5211]

Loved this hope everything ok you haven’t posted any videos lately..

[@tracyrunyan2522]

The Holy Sisters deserve better. This cemetery is in dire need of a cleaning.

[@pamelawooten3251]

Really enjoyed this video, Dan. Such beautiful trees and plants. The SR in front of the names stand for "sister" and the RD stands for "Religious of the Sacred Heart" meaning the nun was a member of that order. The crosses were nice and interesting grotto. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlahnaAnset]

SR means sister so sister Anna Marie for example as in nun

[@adelerodriguez2432]

You will also see something like S. Patricia Donahue. The S. means sister.

[@clairwaucaush7225]

Great video! Sad all those graves are forgotten and weather and rain is tipping them over. The grotto or 'folly' was and is cool has heck. If I had the dough I'd build something like that!

[@rhondamc3642]

That grotto was crazy creepy!!

[@jimmyhappysmith204]

Thank you so much for sharing this historic video.

[@tessa9499]

We had a caravan near this place and we used to walk up to the then quite dilapidated and creepy old convent and chapel before it was sold and gated. Lots of creepy local legends around this place. There used to be an abandoned creepy old mill house in the area as well.

[@kimberlybates6261]

So old convent means someone has the books about these women. Probably the Catholic dicoses.

[@tessa9499]

I think the Benedictine nuns moved out in the 1980's to a convent in Chester, but not absolutely sure. I would think they would have taken all records with them.@@kimberlybates6261

[@geecee4746]

Zoinks!!!!!

[@rylandwilliams1091]

Wow, that place was so spooky. I could hear voices and kids laughing and everything that dude walked into there's trees that had faces, the rocks had faces. Looks like they were moving. I couldn't imagine what would be like to go in there at 9 time. Forget all that wow, go on. there are respect that place because that place is not right.

[@spitfirekev]

Great to see you back on the screen again Dan. You have been absolutely missed. Top episode mate. I will have to visit there. On a dry day. Well done mate 👏👏

[@greywebs1944]

Two weeks I've known people on here to disappear for four years. Then pop up again 🤣

[@spitfirekev]

@@greywebs1944 well we was lucky then, that Dan didn't disappear for four years then. Everyone has a life away from KZbin, so it doesn't matter the length of time the person has been away.

[@greywebs1944]

@@spitfirekev But you said You have been absolutely missed. For 2 weeks such a shame. Would he feel the same ? I hardly think so.

[@shereesmazik5030]

One of the most frightening places , so dark and wet . I imagine the bodies deteriorated quickly.

[@spitfirekev]

@@shereesmazik5030 isn't it just.

[@RM-mm4jr]

It seems ages since your last video. Hope all is well with you. 💖

[@trishexploring1508]

This was an amazing tour i was not expecting!! So much history here. Loved it thank you!!!!

[@maureenwood2752]

What lack of respect for those poor nuns...who dedicated their lives for others

[@Littleboybluejames79]

Had to resubscribe. I'm not sure why it unsubscribed me. It's good you visit the graves of people that would otherwise be forgotten, I'm sure we all remember each person on every walk even though we don't see each memorial. Good job, Dan.

[@English.Andy1]

What a shame it’s so neglected. Nice job Dan

[@melissaportaro3037]

SR means "Sister"

[@FlorecitaAngie]

How sad it is that you die and they never put flowers💐 on your grave🪦 again but forgot about the cemetery where you were buried⚰,very creepy and sad place,thank you for sharing🌺

[@andrewwilks5155]

This grave site should get preserved and maintained as a landmark.

[@michellemaynor3485]

Yes, Towards the end I hear what sounds like a male talking to other people. Sounds like several people. I expected to see a group of tourist when you came back down the stairs.

[@grannybee]

Wow, this is unique. I've never seen anything like this cemetery. Nature really is taking over.

[@deadgoodwalks]

Sure is. I hope one day someone can tidy it up a bit

[@MosaicRose99]

Incredible....definitely heard the voices..

[@dorryfrost3915]

A very interesting cemetery. I might be in the minority when I say I like the way they are hidden amongst the overgrowth. They were private in life and fairly private in death. Even the simplicity of the crosses I like . The folly is a little strange though with the creatures. Can imagine any sinful nun being made to stay a night in there as punishment.

[@susanh3342]

I'm glad you're back .😊❤

[@deadgoodwalks]

🤗

[@verasandin3599]

That was truely amazon to see, thank you.

[@AlahnaAnset]

seashells represent the sacred feminine...makes sense in a nun cemetery.....it was probably a little devotional sort of like a chapel

[@taramaclaird9633]

Fascinating place. Love your videos.

[@margaretbuckley9309]

WOW GREAT VIDEO DAN WHAT AN EERIE PLACE I DONT THINK I HAVE SEEN SO MANY CROSSES IN ONE PLACE BEFORE WELL DONE FOR FINDING THE PLACE 🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@judithstonier9872]

Fascinating place thanks Dan and thank you to the person who provided the information about it 😊

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Excellent journey! The grotto was fantastic. All of the Sisters markers! Thank you

[@twobrokeguyz1214]

Very neat place, I heard whispering through the video.

[@mikki3961]

Very interesting and rather sad as well. Hope all is well with you.

[@mary-anneswanson1428]

Might be an idea to get some wellingtons for walk like this one :) It was lovely to see the cemetary and grotto :)

[@CTfarney]

I'm sure someone already said it but SR is Sister and RD is Reverend. What an amazing video. I'm all the way in the US but it has always been a dream of mine to explore Europe!

[@shelliewerner5624]

Wow...what a great walk !!! I always thought a Grooto was a place to pay? Idk...why would all those evil carvings be near a Nuns Graveyard? Very interesting...

[@bearwitch43]

Wow loved this ,we have metal crosses for nuns in a very old graveyard/ cemetery ( not sure if still classed as a graveyard cause a main rd now separates the two . It's by the oldest house in Hampshire wymering manor dated in the domsday book . Also peoples graves from a old asylum only had numbers on there metal crosses not names or dates ,which I feel is sad for them . Blessed be ,stay safe.

[@trenchcoatmafioso]

I'm late, but I'm here. Cool grotto.

[@kevos65]

I'm not into religion, any religion but with all the money that the Catholic church possesses I think it's an absolute disgrace the way that graveyard has been left.. They should be ashamed of themselves.. Just a simple well kept graveyard would be ample.. With all their wealth and quick to hold out their paws for more via collections etc it's the least they could do in maintaining the last resting places of these people.. I'll bet they made a nice few quid from the selling of the site and buildings.. Hopefully someone around that area will shame the local Catholic community /church and bring it to someone's attention.. Great video Dan.. A spare pair of wellies next time 🙂

[@jstringfellow1961]

I wouldn't think a person would need to be "religious" to keep up a grave. You are 100% correct about it being a disgrace to their church or someone who has taken over the property. It does very much need to be restored and kept up. I wish a group or society to could take it upon themselves to restore or help older sites. I understand the need to keep them as close to original, but these are obviously poor people from the markers and the upkeep.

[@janetmartin1904]

Ok I nominate you

[@kevos65]

​@@janetmartin1904 it'd be difficult from another country.. I'm quite sure that there are enough people around there to make enquiries.. Let each look after their own place..

[@vincebogdan3368]

Not bit naive! True, big true. That institution has done so much for last 3 centuries. Too much of bad. Belivers of one are usually naive, believing in anything told from ones. However your's suspicituon is near true. Because leaving to be forgotten and keeping just one huge building, while destroying rest, turning it in cemetery is usual procedure for last 250 -300 years.

[@JanetReinert]

So very sad to see this religious cemetery in such bad shape. 😢

[@sharonclark-cd8ph]

So, what else is new about the Catholic Church! Soon we will here such horrible truths it will sicken everyone.

[@sharonclark-cd8ph]

Also, the Vatican all worship LUCIFER! The Pope is one of the worst violators ever on this planet. They reek like SULPUR.

[@carolmurray5048]

Well this is pretty in its own way good luck 🍀👍 Dan I can’t see you

[@sharonfleming6314]

Love your videos absolutely 💯 brilliant thank you 😊

[@usasstar]

You’re brave to go to the cemetery it’s so creepy looking thank you for taking so we don’t have to go

[@Figgatella]

This reminds me of the cemetery in that scary movie ‘The Child Remains’ about the home for unwed mothers where the nuns killed the moms and babies. It’s based on the butter box babies. 😢 Very creepy.

[@Figgatella]

@@MBohm1990 I love scary movies.

[@stacydougherty4439]

This makes me so sad. These Nuns deserve respect and a nice well preserved resting place.

[@mgdiamante5123]

☦️ Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

[@illuminatedgalaxies7777.]

❤🙏🕊️

[@bobsgirl100]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channel. I hope to visit England Ireland and Scotland some day soon. Your accent is very relaxing and I find your commentary interesting and funny at times!

[@bradbickford2284]

I did hear voice's, especially the first time you commented about hearing them! Great Vid!

[@jeanhopman5659]

It's kinda spooky when you're walking through woodlands etc and you come across a whole bunch of gravestones - sometimes laid flat. Seems so sad , somehow.

[@nicolemerriman-darling772]

I also could hear the voices. Amazing!

[@cathleensteele6808]

Great explore.. thanks for sharing

[@Bequeefed]

Great episode Dan, spion kop and st Hilda's in Hartlepool are a great walk, right by the headland makes for a great walk along the coastal path, then linthorpe cemetery over in Middlesbrough is a great one to document, there's over 5 acres in all along with a former TB sanatorium if your ever in the area

[@bold810]

A motorist's car ran out of gas and rolled to a stop next to a church cemetery. Seeing the Caretaker amongst the graves the Motorist approached and said "I say, my car is out of gas, do you have any?" The man glared at him and "We have Nun". 🎉

[@valariebedard2164]

Creepy place. everything is so close together..you are brave to venture out here.... Be careful! 😮

[@raymondescobar1702]

THIS IS SO SAD THAT ALL THESE GRAVES WERE AND HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN. 😢😢

[@stuartcunnington6283]

Ask the fairies to guide you brother.❤️👍✌️

[@bionicnichola9251]

How fascinating Dan. Thankyou !

[@TheBoDangles]

Did you find the derelict house to the left of the Abbey gates? Quite an interesting building on 4 floors

[@traciehigginsChaCha]

So glad to hear your voice! That was extremely strange did they just abandon them there? I have never seen a grotto like that the ones I’ve seen don’t have creepy carvings and such. It’s not that old I don’t understand why the church just left and didn’t move them or anything.

[@tompena7487]

I went to schools with the Sisters Of Charity . I am catching up with some your earlier vlogs thank you .

[@flower1990-B]

Sad to be forgotten like this. Maybe it doesn t matter anymore when we are dead but still

[@lahkesis15]

Just found your channel!this place gives me the vibes from The Nun movie.That grotto gave me so much anxiety watching!

[@marygrummer9189]

Very interesting place! It’s a shame the cemetery is so overgrown. When you went inside the creepy grotto, didn’t you hear me yell “Get out of there!” 😊

[@debroahisaacs2452]

Glad to see your video😊

[@jezebelinhell33]

This was such a cool explore! That grotto was super creepy.

[@WaynesPokeWorld]

Dark, damp, boggy enclosed spaces freak me out. You’re braver than me! You couldn’t even pay me to step foot near any of that especially the grotto!

[@BlueShadow777]

Well, if they’re nuns, I’d surely expect “Sr.” To stand for… “Sister” 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@suzannezethner8180]

That grotto is creepy as hell. 😮

[@BeMiller-c3w]

That's a really interesting place! Thankyou for video

[@charlescorris3469]

Good job going into those caves and that grotto. They were small spaces and must’ve given off. Very bad vibe.

[@maanjezus8622]

Now that is one creepy cemetery!

[@stuartcunnington6283]

Creepy groto's, something different.✌️

[@asyoulikeit111]

Bizarre to say the least. The graves look similar to what I’ve seen in horror films and yet they are so recent. So the nuns digging the graves knew what to expect when they died too? It gives the impression of a cult and not a caring one at that.

[@paulaharris4667]

Enjoyed the video ❤

[@rachelknight6028]

SR usually denotes "Sister" MS usually denotes "Mother Superior " RD or RV or RVD denotes "Revend" FR means "Father" This is how we addressed them on our perceptions in pharmacy.

[@hopehope938]

It is very sad these ladies who where nuns have been forgotten by there church and the property sold for who knows now much and there was no plans from both Rome or from the new property owner to maintain correctly the cemetery. These women were dedicated to service of both their order and to the church but look at how they have been forgotten and how the cemetery has been neglected. The church in Rome has billions of Euro’s but no time and no effort to do the right things. The church in Rome has a history of how they treat women and women who are Nuns. I would think both Wales and the government of the EU has laws,rules, and regulations of how Cemeteries are to be maintained! Who knows if someone could be fined for being negligent and neglingful! I would think this could be a cause for the locals in the area to ask questions and find out whom is financially responsible for this cemetery and demand they pay up and do the right thing! Some of these women died in the 1980’s they still might have living family members who might want to visit there grave site!

[@lorrie8176]

SR means sister. That was interesting, I went to a school that was run by nuns when I was a teen machine. 😸

[@janetslicer3637]

Yippee, can't wait Dan!

[@mterrylane819]

SR...........sister.

[@davemonhomme]

even in French, SR, soeur,

[@myriadhues457]

SR on a nun is Sister, RM is Reverend Mother. An RM would be the head of a congregation of Sisters. RD is a different one, but my guess is it stands for Reverend Dominican. Dominican nuns as far as I can tell are the ones who are supposed to go afield for their faith. My understanding is a little spotty but it's like phD of being a nun.

[@maiatipton2107]

Dominican nuns use the term Sister and the term Reverend Motherr or Mother Superior for the head of the community. Benedictines use the term Sister for their Lay sisters and Dame for the professed cloistered members of the community.. In true medieval fashion, a monastery or convent is reflective of a feudal society and very definitely class-structured and separated. I’m thinking that RD is something more like Reverend Dame, which would make sense, given that it’s Benedictine. It would be extremely unlikely to find Dominicans buried in a Benedictine cemetery. There were hundreds, if not thousands , of different religious communities and they all pretty much kept to themselves. But these days, with so few left, it may be different. If memory serves, Benedictines are the oldest religious community still existing in the Roman Catholic Church, and also have deep roots in France, which would explain the Dame title. Sorry to be going on, but this is what you get when you major in European medieval history!🤪

[@myriadhues457]

@@maiatipton2107 thank you, really interesting. I love studying medieval history so i'm thankful you shared.

[@malenasaenz8133]

@@maiatipton2107 Thank you so much for sharing with us. It is so interesting!!

[@DonnasArizonaAdvenrures]

Excellent Adventure, but kinda creepy. Great Job!

[@Marcy1xxMcGrath]

hi great work stay safe love out team try there stay safe bad the state it is in be nice looked after thank you

[@carlaaijtink2586]

Woow! That is one beautiful and historic place! Where is that? Is there no known history about it online? Such a shame it got so derelict and taken over by nature, and that it's not been kent up! I guess the Building was a small church or place to pray for the souls of the deciest. Would be wonderfull to read about this place.

[@andrewwilks5155]

I believe it is possible that not only aristocrats met here, but this cave could be also been one of many places where the hellfire club and their members could of met back in the 1700s as well.

[@sandyfeet8175]

The grotto is indeed a talking point - it’s a creepy talking point. But those nun crosses were really, really creepy; looks like it’s come straight from a film set, but it’s real.