Sep. 09, 1953 - One Hundred Pounds Burial Fee In Village Churchyard Charges Against Country...

Sep. 09, 1953 - One Hundred Pounds Burial Fee In Village Churchyard Charges Against Country Vicar: Investigation officers of the Inland Revenue are making inquiries about the ~ 100 burial fees said to be charged at the ancient Saxon churchyard of St. Mary Simpting, near Worthing, Sussex. The Vicar of the Parish Rev. N.E.C. Hemsworth is said to have been charging fees of up to ~ 100 to buy non-parishioners. The investigations into the high - price burials were started by Miss Ursual Winer Wintle of Manor-Road, Worthing, two years ago when she informed the local Inland Revenue authorities. Mr. Joseph Gould - the gravedigger at the churchyard said that local feelings had been aroused by the high charges. The Vicar said” Of Course I charge ~ 100 to bury non-parishioners - i charge what i like and it is no body's business. The Bishop of Chichester - the Right Rev. George Bell - said her was “Very surprised”. Photo shows Gravedigger Joseph Gould who says that local feelings wee very high - concerning the burial charges.