Survey Data
Reg No
40905319
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Historical, Social
Original Use
Graveyard/cemetery
Date
1860 - 1900
Coordinates
217523, 412590
Date Recorded
16/12/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Former burial ground originally (on triangular-plan) serving St. Conal's psychiatric hospital (see 40905317), in use from c. 1866 until 1900. Now disused. Some metal memorials to site. Graveyard bounded by high squared rubble stone walls with squared rubble coping to the north-east and south, and with later blockwork repairs to various sections. Cut limestone gate-pier (on square-plan) to east side of gateway flat-bedded squared limestone coping over. Established pine tree planting within grounds with modern stone engraved ‘IN COMMEMORATION OF THOSE WHO WERE BURIED IN THIS CEMETERY 1866-1900 MAY THEY REST IN PEACE’. Burial ground located within St. Conal’s hospital complex (see 40905317 for main building), adjacent to three-storey block (see 40905318).
Appraisal
This former graveyard was originally built to serve St. Conal’s psychiatric hospital (see 40905317 for main building), and was in use from 1866 until around 1900. An interesting addition to the hospital site, this peaceful quarter of the complex constitutes an important part of the social history of the area when many of those dying in such hospitals were buried in a graveyard to site. There are few gravemarkers to site, which suggests that many of the patients were buried in unmarked graves. The modern commemoration plaque adds some dignity to this largely forgotten site. The walls are of sturdy rubble stone construction and typical of the period. Despite the loss of a gate pier, sections of wall, and associated buildings, the graveyard retains a peaceful air and is significant as part of a group of related sites.