Ramparts (Lille Gate) Cemetery

Ramparts (Lille Gate) Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) burial ground for soldiers who fell during the First World War, located in Ypres, Belgium, within the historic Ypres Salient on the Western Front. It is one of dozens of CWGC sites scattered around the town, marking the human cost of the fighting that raged here between 1914 and 1918.

Where exactly is the cemetery located?

The cemetery sits on the former town ramparts of Ypres, close to the historic Lille Gate, from which it takes its name. This position along the old defensive walls is significant: the earthworks surrounding the town centre served as cover and observation points during the war, and the surrounding ground saw heavy fighting throughout the conflict. The site lies at approximately 50.845° N, 2.889° E, placing it right at the edge of the town's historic core.

What was the Ypres Salient?

The term "Salient" describes the bulge in the front line around Ypres that remained in Allied hands for most of the war, surrounded on three sides by German forces. This narrow strip of contested ground saw some of the bloodiest engagements of the entire conflict, and as a result the town and its surroundings are dotted with dozens of CWGC cemeteries. Ramparts Cemetery is one of these — smaller in scale, but tied directly to the town's fortifications and topography.

Who maintains the cemetery?

The site is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the organisation established after the First World War to commemorate and maintain the graves of Commonwealth service personnel who died in the two World Wars. The CWGC oversees hundreds of cemeteries across Flanders, keeping them to a consistent, recognisable standard — rows of white headstones, carefully tended lawns, and a quiet, contemplative setting.

Why visit this site?

Ramparts (Lille Gate) Cemetery will appeal to anyone interested in First World War history and the physical traces it left on the Flanders landscape. Its proximity to the Lille Gate and the old town ramparts means a visit can easily be combined with a walk through historic Ypres and other nearby memorials, including the famous Menin Gate. The cemetery offers a compact, contemplative stop on that route — a place of quiet reflection just steps from the town's main historic sights.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ramparts (Lille Gate) Cemetery? It is a First World War CWGC burial ground located in Ypres, Belgium, within the Ypres Salient on the Western Front.

Where does the cemetery's name come from? The name comes from its position on the town's old defensive ramparts and its proximity to the historic Lille Gate.

Who manages the cemetery? It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the organisation responsible for commemorating Commonwealth service personnel who died in the World Wars.

Can the cemetery be visited alongside other Ypres landmarks? Yes — given its location near the town centre and other memorials such as the Menin Gate, it fits naturally into a walking route through Ypres's First World War heritage sites.