Hitchin Cemetery

Hitchin Cemetery, also known as St John's Road Cemetery, is the main burial ground of the town of Hitchin in Hertfordshire, England. It is a Victorian cemetery that doubles as a quiet green space, and it appeals to visitors interested in local history, Victorian funerary landscapes and urban wildlife.

Where is Hitchin Cemetery?

The cemetery lies on Hitchin Hill, on the edge of the town centre. Standhill Road runs along its north-western boundary, while St John's Road marks the south-eastern side. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with a wider walk around Hitchin, a historic market town in North Hertfordshire.

When was the cemetery founded?

The cemetery was created in the 1850s. Under the Burial Act 1853, the local Board of Health appointed a burial board, which financed the project from the borough rate. The grounds were laid out by George Beaver and opened in 1857. A lodge cottage and a chapel were built at the same time, forming the core of the site that visitors see today.

Responsibility for the cemetery later passed to Hitchin Urban District Council in 1894. Since 1974 it has been owned and managed by North Hertfordshire District Council.

What is the chapel like?

The cemetery chapel was designed in the Victorian manner with two parts, one for Anglican services and one for Non-Conformist worship, set at right angles to each other. This reflects the religious divisions of mid-19th-century England, when public cemeteries often had to serve several denominations. Today the chapel can hold around 50 mourners on fixed bench seating, with room for a few more standing, and it is available for the burial of all faiths.

What can visitors see?

Visitors come mainly to walk among the Victorian and later graves, read the inscriptions and enjoy the planted, mature grounds. Cemeteries of this age are often valuable habitats for birds, insects and plants, and Hitchin Cemetery is no exception. Guided walks have been organised that look at the origins of the cemetery, notable graves and the wildlife living there. Such events usually require advance booking, so check the current programme before you go.

The cemetery also contains Commonwealth war graves from the two world wars, which gives the site additional historical significance for those researching local military history.

Practical tips

• The cemetery is an active burial ground, so keep to the paths, speak quietly and respect any ceremonies in progress.
• Photography is generally fine for personal use, but avoid including mourners.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the site sits on a hill and paths can be uneven or wet.
• Check opening times with North Hertfordshire District Council, which manages the site.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs Hitchin Cemetery? North Hertfordshire District Council has managed it since 1974.

Can the chapel be used by any faith? Yes, it is available for burials of all faiths and holds about 50 people.

Is Hitchin Cemetery another name for St John's Road Cemetery? Yes, both names refer to the same site.

Is it a good place to learn about local history? Yes. Its Victorian origins, chapel and graves reflect the growth of Hitchin in the 19th and 20th centuries, and occasional guided tours explore these themes.