If someone can provide some answers to my questions I would gladly be appreciative. Unfortunately I have the worst name to have to research "Smith". Can someone tell me the name of a parish in Kendal, Westmorland, England? Also does someone know where or what source would be best to find obituaries on individuals from the Kendal area? Last, I am trying to locate dates of death on the following individuals- James Smith born 1852 in Kendal and his wife Sarah Ann Smith (maiden name unknown) born abt 1855 in Staveley?

Hi,

The original Parish of Kendal was huge, but from the 18th century there was Holy Trinity in Kirkland (Parish Church)and 14 chapels in the outlying villages (Church of England).

In about 1840, after the building of St. Thomas' (Stricklandgate) and new St. George's (Castle Street) Kendal town was divided into 3 areas.

Obituaries are placed in the Westmorland Gazette shortly after the death of the individual. Kendal Local Studies Library has these publications on microfilm which you can access for free in person. However if you are unable to get there, they charge £27 per hour for any work done on your behalf.

To find the dates of death is more difficult with a name like Smith. Have you checked their whereabouts through the censuses? Do their descendants still live in the area? What religion were they?

If the answers are that they still lived in Kendal, then their burials could well be there.

Regards, Chris