York Cemetery, York

York Cemetery is a Victorian burial ground in the Fishergate area of York, England. Founded in 1837, it covers about 24 acres (9.7 ha) and is registered as a Grade II* listed park and garden. The entrance is on Cemetery Road.

Why was York Cemetery created?

The trigger was the cholera outbreak of 1832. Parish and nonconformist graveyards in the city were overcrowded, so in 1837 the York Public Cemetery Company was formed to provide better burial facilities. The first burials on the new site took place the same year.

Who designed it?

The architect James Pigott Pritchett designed both the buildings and the layout of the grounds. The result is a burial ground that doubles as a landscaped garden, with paths, trees and quiet places to walk.

What can you see there?

The Pritchett Chapel. Built in 1837, the chapel is Grade II* listed. It is made of Roche Abbey stone in Greek Revival style, with an Ionic portico. Vaults in the basement are reached through a doorway marked "CATACOMBS" and hold coffins dating from 1838 to 1881.

Gatehouse, gate and railings. The entrance lodge, gate and iron railings are Grade II listed.

Graves and monuments. The cemetery has roughly 28,000 graves and more than 17,000 monuments, six of them Grade II listed. It is a good place to study Victorian funerary art and how memorial styles changed over time.

How did it survive to the present day?

In June 1984 the chapel roof collapsed. That event led to the formation of the Friends of York Cemetery and later The York Cemetery Trust, which now runs the site with the Friends' support. After restoration, the chapel is used for funerals, concerts, exhibitions and other events, and can be hired as a venue.

Frequently asked questions

Where is York Cemetery? On Cemetery Road in the Fishergate area of York.

How big is it? About 24 acres, or 9.7 hectares.

Is it a listed site? Yes. The whole site is a Grade II* listed park and garden, the chapel has the same grade, and the gatehouse, gate and railings are Grade II.

Who manages the cemetery? The York Cemetery Trust, supported by the Friends of York Cemetery.

Can you go inside the chapel? The restored chapel hosts events and private hire, so it is best to check current dates on the cemetery's website.

Is it a good place for a walk? Yes. Designed as a garden cemetery with paths and historic monuments, it suits a quiet visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.