[1] The general rectangular shape of today's churchyard began in the Early Middle Ages, so sometimes older grounds are indicated by oval or round forms.
Selection of a location by the church involved commandeering pagan holy places, which were linked to landscape features.
[1][2] Another broad indication of greater antiquity is the height of the churchyard earth in relation to the ground outside the walls.
[1] Today a churchyard looks quiet and somber but in medieval times, despite protests by generations of bishops, the church grounds were popular sites for games, gatherings, dancing and dalliances.
This cross was always found on the sunlite side mounted on stepped base, and indicated that the churchyard was consecrated ground.