Hi Jude, The woman you spoke to was correct. They didn't allow the victims to be buried in the cemeteries as the cemeteries were considered sacred ground. The victims were killed because they were believed to be witchs and thus evil. The victims families later at night took the bodies from Gallows Hill and buried them in secret so that their graves wouldn't be desecrated .... so they could rest in peace. Noreen LaTour P.S. There is an area beside the old cemetery in Salem where commemorative stone benchs have been erected for each of the victims of the witch trials. I have 2 phots,that of Rebecca Nurse's and Margaret Scott's benches I took recently. Would have taken photos of all but my digital camera ran out of power. To those who wanted photos of the benches I've not forgotten you...just been real busy... sending them out is on my agenda for tomorrow and the next day!!I