An early view of Sheffield General Cemetery. Source: Picture Sheffield.
In July 1834 a group of Sheffield Nonconformists bought 9 acres of steeply sloping, north facing land for £1900 to lay out a commercial Cemetery. A design by local architect, Samuel Worth, was chosen and work began in laying out pathways, building a Gatehouse, Nonconformist Chapel, Catacombs and a Registrar’s House ready for the first burial in May 1836.
In the mid-840s more land was bought so that a consecrated area could be added. William Flockton was engaged to design an Anglican Church and Robert Marnock produced a planting plan for the new ground.
The Cemetery became a popular place to visit for its views over the Porter Valley, its fine trees and shrubbery and impressive monuments; huge crowds gathered for the funerals of Sheffield’s well-known residents.
You can read more about the history of Sheffield General Cemetery in the SGCT publications For the Living and the Dead, Sheffield General Cemetery – Then & Now, and Recollections of a Former Occupant.
