>Ralph Williamson died in 1888 at 26 George Street East Tunstall and >his wife Margaret (Barrass) Williamson died in 1893 at the same address. >Where would they have been buried and what church would have >conducted the services. Would this cemetery still have the headstones? They were both buried in St Matthews Churchyard in Silksworth, their burial services were conducted there. At the time of their deaths they were living in New Silksworth. Ralph was buried on the 18th September 1888, and Margaret on the 16th May 1893. There is a booklet in the Local Studies Department of Sunderland Central Library containing the monumental inscriptions for the headstones in the churchyard, but neither name is mentioned in it. >What is the name of the church and cemetery on Burdon Lane in Ryhope >that goes out to the southwest. The cemetery is on the south or east >side of the road. The parish church in Ryhope is St Paul's, in the centre. I suspect the church you refer to is the chapel in the grounds of Ryhope Cemetery. This cemetery wasn't opened until around 1898. > What is the area or development directly across >the road on the north or west side of the road. That is just part of Ryhope village, a relatively recent development. > Can anyone tell me >what was there in 1861-3. I am looking for Fowler Terrace in 1863. If you look at 'www.old-maps.co.uk' and enter 'Ryhope', you will be able to see that there was very little there then, which was around 1861. What you can see is a trial coal shaft which appears to be where the colliery was. Should you visit the churchyard you will probably only be able to get a feel for where they were buried from the dates on the headstones. Burials date from 1872 so the grave will not be far from the church. Cheers ------ Philip