Past Present & Future

A burial ground for the dead

The graveyards were overflowing and there was an urgent need to find more space for the bodies (safe from body snatchers!).

The cemetery was to be a fit place where people could be buried in a way that reflected their earthly wealth and status.

A sanctuary for the living

Churchyards had always been places where people met, and walked and talked. But this was a much greater vision: sweeping vistas, inspiring architecture - the grand scheme celebrated the designers' attitudes towards life. The cemetery was one of the first in Britain to promote this type of landscape.

Its purpose - to create an uplifting place, which people could visit and contemplate the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings.