"In France in 1782-3, in order to check the pestilence, the remains of more than six millions of people were disinterred from the urban churchyards and reburied far away from the dwelling-places. The Cemetery of Père la Chaise was a later creation, having been consecrated in 1804."
From: Title: In Search Of Gravestones Old And CuriousAuthor: W.T. (William Thomas) Vincent