The Churchyard
“Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.”
Sacred Ground
A Place of Rest & Remembrance
Christian burial has taken place in this churchyard for more than three centuries. The oldest grave is that of Capt. Willis Wilson, who died in 1701 — the Wilson family owned land here, and the 1728 church was built beside their burial ground so that their graves occupied a place of honor at the altar end of the building.
The churchyard includes both traditional in-ground gravesites and a columbarium for the interment of cremated remains. Approaching the church you will pass the graves of many former rectors and parishioners, and near the gate at the south-west corner are markers describing the remnants of the original enclosure wall, which dates from about 1759.
Burial privileges are available to active members of St. John’s, who may purchase up to two. The cemetery provides sustaining care — cutting the grass, pulling weeds, and trimming bushes and trees; privilege holders and their families remain responsible for the upkeep of gravesites, monuments and memorial markers.
Visitor Information
Location
Surrounding the church at 100 W. Queens Way, in the heart of downtown Hampton
Hours
The churchyard is open during daylight hours. The parish office is open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m..
Columbarium
Niches for cremated remains are available at $1,150, including sustaining care.
Inquiries
Please contact the parish office (757-722-2567), and we will put you in touch with our Cemetery Administrator.
In the Churchyard
Capt. Willis Wilson
died 1701
The oldest grave in the churchyard. The Wilson family owned land in this area, and the 1728 church was built beside their burial ground so that their graves occupied a place of honor at the altar end of the building.
The Rectors of the Parish
1610 to the present
The graves of many former rectors and parishioners lie on the approach to the church. The full succession of rectors, from William Mease in 1610 onwards, is listed on our history page.
The Original Enclosure Wall
about 1759
Near the gate at the south-west corner of the churchyard, markers describe the remnants of the original enclosure wall.
Virginia Laydon Memorial
born 1609
Against the south wall of the church stands a memorial to Virginia Laydon, the first surviving child born in the New World to English parents, who with her parents was a member of this parish.
Learn More
For questions about burial rights, columbarium niches, or to arrange a visit, please contact the parish office.