Guided tour of the old section of Mansfield Cemetery
Mansfield Cemetery, Forest Hill, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 5BQ
Mansfield Cemetery, like many other cemeteries, was established following the reforms of the 1852-7 burial acts. A ten-acre site, on the then outskirts of Mansfield, was assigned by the Town Commissioners for a park style cemetery.
The appointed Burial Board commissioned the construction of:
• two chapels with a joint tower
• two lodges and adjacent entrance gates
• a wall to enclose the cemetery.
In November 1856, the Church of England portion of the cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln. The service started at St. John’s Church and then moved to the Cemetery’s Church of England chapel. Burials occurred soon after.
Provision was made for dissenter (non-Church of England) burials, with a separate, but adjacent burial ground, principally the western side of the old cemetery. A seperate, but adjacent, chapel was also provided for dissenter services.
Over the years, the cemetery was filled with graves representing a wide cross section of Mansfield society. One of the most notable monuments in the Cemetery is that of Lord Byron's school friend, Colonel Wildman.
Fortunately, all the original cemetery buildings have survived, but some require restoration. The cemetery was extended in 1899 but maintained the original park style. The cemetery is Grade II listed, with many of its monuments and buildings having separate listings. The cemetery gives a scenic setting for the modern adjoining cemetery and crematorium.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- Starts at 2pm from Cemetery Car Park.
Location & directions
Mansfield Cemetery, Forest Hill, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 5BQ
- Directions:
- Event will start at Cemetery Car Park at the top of Forest Hill.
- Contact on day:
- Edward Baginski
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The guided tour will follow tarmaced paths. The site is hilly in parts, but the pace of the tour will be slow so the monuments can be appreciated. The circular tour is expected to last at least an hour, but guests will be welcome to either leave early or explore the Cemetery further after the tour. Sensible footwear is recommended.
Additional information
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
