Weston-Super-Mare Cemetery

Weston-Super-Mare Cemetery is a Victorian cemetery in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, in south-west England. It is also known as Milton Road Cemetery. It suits visitors interested in local history, funerary architecture and the memory of wartime.

How did the cemetery come about?

Charles Davis designed the cemetery in 1856 as a Victorian garden cemetery. It was needed once the old burial ground at St John's Church had filled up and the town was growing fast. The first burials took place in May 1856. Its paths and planting were meant to invite quiet strolling and reflection, which was typical of garden cemeteries of the period.

What is there to see?

The standout feature is the chapel with its bell tower, at the top of the cemetery. Originally there were two adjoining chapels, one for the Church of England and one for nonconformist services. The second was demolished in 1980. The Anglican chapel and tower survive. With Heritage Lottery Fund support, restoration of the bell tower and the re-hanging of the bell were completed in November 2010.

War graves

The cemetery holds war graves maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There are scattered First World War burials, as well as Second World War burials, a large share of which lie in a dedicated war graves plot in Section Y. Local sources also recall the bombing raid of 28-29 June 1942, in which 102 people died. Many of the victims were buried in a mass grave in this cemetery, which makes it an important place of remembrance for civilian losses in the war.

Is it a good place for a walk?

Yes, if you enjoy quiet and history. It is an active burial ground, so please be respectful: keep your voice low, stay off the graves and do not disturb services. Allow about an hour to wander, look at the chapel and visit the war graves plot.

Frequently asked questions

Does the cemetery have another name? Yes, it is often called Milton Road Cemetery, after the road it stands on.

When was it established? It was designed in 1856, with the first burials in May that year.

Can I see the chapel? The Anglican chapel and bell tower stand at the top of the cemetery and are easy to spot on a walk.

Are there war graves? Yes, from both world wars, including a war graves plot in Section Y.

Is it worth visiting for history lovers? Yes. It combines Victorian heritage, chapel architecture and the memory of war victims and the 1942 air raid.