Norton in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Norton Common Burial Ground
Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 2012
1. Norton Common Burial Ground Marker
Inscription.
Norton Common Burial Ground. . The land which comprises this cemetery dates back to June 1702, and is the original town common. Originally called "The Common," this land consisting of approximately five acres, is the first land set apart for common use in Norton. Situated on the Main Road to George Leonard's iron works, called "Chartley" the common has seen numerous uses. During the early eighteenth century, a portion of this common was designated as a burying place. This is believed to be the first burying ground formally set apart for that purpose in Norton. As early as 1708, this land was also used as a training field for the militia . The nearby home of the original proprietor Sylvanus Cambell overlooks this land. Many militia drills, regimental musters, and military parades occurred here.
Using this land for public use, a militia training field, and burying place caused numerous problems, for in 1802 it was noted "the four-footed beasts that were turned loose upon the common trampled upon the green sod that covered the loved of earth, (un)till the exact resting place of many was obliterated."
In 1825, the town of Norton voted to appropriate money for fencing to establish boundaries of the burial ground. Since that time, the common has been used for that purpose.
The land which comprises this cemetery dates back to June 1702, and is the original town common. Originally called "The Common," this land consisting of approximately five acres, is the first land set apart for common use in Norton. Situated on the Main Road to George Leonard's iron works, called "Chartley" the common has seen numerous uses. During the early eighteenth century, a portion of this common was designated as a burying place. This is believed to be the first burying ground formally set apart for that purpose in Norton. As early as 1708, this land was also used as a training field for the militia . The nearby home of the original proprietor Sylvanus Cambell overlooks this land. Many militia drills, regimental musters, and military parades occurred here.
Using this land for public use, a militia training field, and burying place caused numerous problems, for in 1802 it was noted "the four-footed beasts that were turned loose upon the common trampled upon the green sod that covered the loved of earth, (un)till the exact resting place of many was obliterated."
In 1825, the town of Norton voted to appropriate money for fencing to establish boundaries of the burial ground. Since that time, the common has been used for that purpose.
Erected 2008 by Norton Historical Commission
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1702.
Location. 41° 57.419′ N, 71° 12.476′ W. Marker is in Norton, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. Marker is on Olympia Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norton MA 02766, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
