Heritage Open Days Talk | How the Church Lost the Plot: A History of Victorian Cemeteries

As part of Heritage Open Days, join Dr Julie Rugg from the University of York, for a captivating exploration into the politics, power, and profits of Victorian burial.

Drawing on decades of research into cemeteries and cemetery companies, Dr Rugg will uncover how the Burial Acts of the mid-19th century secured the Church of England’s dominance in burial provision, vastly increasing its income and influence. This privileged position, however, did not go unchallenged and over time, through determined and often heated lobbying, the Church’s control began to erode.

With wit and insight, Dr Rugg will reveal how this battle for burial rights played out, and how it shaped the very cemeteries we walk through today. Her talk also highlights how cemeteries themselves have rich and complex “biographies” – layered histories that reflect wider social, religious, and political change.

A must for anyone interested in Victorian history, heritage, or the untold stories behind our burial grounds.

Tickets: Free (Please book in advance)

Event Details

• Start Time: 3.00pm
• Location: Samuel Worth Chapel, Sheffield General Cemetery, Sheffield, S11 8NT
• Accessibility: The historic nature of the site and the sloping landscape mean that not all spaces are fully accessible. Paths may be uneven and there are steps on some paths. Find out more here.
• Facilities: Before the tour, join us at the Samuel Worth Chapel for refreshments – our café and bookstall will be open from 10am – 3pm
• Tickets: All tickets are sold online via Ticketsource. No tickets are available on the door.
• Please note, this tour is appropriate for those aged 18+.

T&Cs

• Tickets for this event are non-refundable. However, if for any reason the event is cancelled by Sheffield General Cemetery Trust, we will refund your ticket.
• If you have bought a ticket but are unable to attend, please email [email protected] so we can try to reallocate it.
• Email [email protected] with any questions about this event.

Thank You

This is a volunteer-led fundraising event for Sheffield General Cemetery Trust (Registered Charity Number: 1103158) with all proceeds going towards the charitable aims of the Trust. We thank you for your ongoing support in preserving this special place for generations to come.