Mill Road Cemetery, Cambridge

History of Mill Road Cemetery

Designated Building of Local Interest: headstones, memorial and boundary wall

Mill Road cemetery was constructed between 1844 and 1848 to a plan by Andrew Murray, curator of the Botanic Garden in Cambridge. The Gothic chapel built by Scott 1856-8 has been demolished.

The site had been previously used by the University as a cricket ground before Fenner’s was built. This is shown in the map of circa 1850 along with the Barnwell New Chapel that must have been demolished later.

see: Town v Gown; City v Village A History of Cricket in Cambridge, Tony Watts (2025)

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Watch Jo Costin give a short historical tour of the Cemetery for Open Cambridge 2020.

 

Census and Timeline

1861 Cemetery Lodge

Charles Simpkin, 50, cemetery porter, b Norfolk

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1898 04 13 Mr Dixon said that Mill Road cemetery was always locked up on Sundays, because, if not, swarms of little children rampaged about over the graves; and while he was conducting a funeral it was very annoying to have some little urchins come up and say, “Oh, my! Ain’t that a little coffin!” The children jumped about over the graves, while labourers going to work made the cemetery a thoroughfare. The matter was giving the committee a great deal of trouble. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1899 06 02 The custodian of the Mill Road cemetery, Cambridge, Thomas Stanbridge, said he saw the defendants approaching with a handcart containing a headstone. There was a funeral taking place against the entrance gate so endeavoured to prevent them from entering the cemetery. In so doing he was pushed right under one of the coaches attending the funeral and got his leg fixed between the wheel and a headstone. He called out and the people at the funeral were disturbed by his remarks. Then the defendant stuck him under the chin, and threatened to pull his beard out. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1899 12 23 While making excavations at the junction of City Road and Fitzroy Street some workmen in the employ of the Cambridge Electric Lighting Company came upon some gruesome remains. They dug up some coffins. It is supposed the site is that of the old burial ground of Eden Street chapel. The remains were removed to Mill Road cemetery, where they were interred. For some reason efforts are being made to prevent the real facts becoming known. The employees of the Electric Light jealously guard what they deem an important secret, and refuse to give any details. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1901 11 25 The funeral of Mr C.F.G. Stanhope, who was better known by the stage name of Mr Charles Gervase, under which he played the part of Harry Bronson in Mr W. Greet’s “Belle of New York” Company, took place at Mill Road Cemetery. The deceased actor contracted typhoid fever whilst at Cambridge and died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The internment took place in the presence of a large number of persons who showed deep sympathy with the mourners. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1902 05 10

The funeral of P.C. Thompson of the Cambridge police was conducted on military lines. His comrades, accompanied by members of the Borough Fire Brigade, marched to Sturton Street. As the coffin was brought out of the house the police band played the death march in “Saul” and Drum Major Inspector Johnson, his staff draped with crepe, led the hearse & mourning coaches in procession to Mill Road cemetery. The route was line by people and many were the manifestations of sympathy with the mourners. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Ellis Merry. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1904 05 19

Cambridge cemetery committee considered whether to close the whole of the Mill Road burial ground. They had asked the various incumbents as to the number of grave spaces allotted to their parishes and whether it was possible to identify the graves of all persons buried there. It appeared to be dependent on the knowledge of the sexton and there was no way of identifying the position of each grave. There should be a public enquiry. But there were many timid widows who had husbands buried there and would like to be buried there too who would not go to an enquiry. Alderman Kett agreed: he would like his bones to be laid there and had six or seven unoccupied spaces for members of his family. What would an inspector care about such sentiments? He would be overruled by those fanatics of sanitary improvement. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1904 07 05

An inquiry into the proposed closure of Mill Road cemetery, Cambridge heard objections from several parishes. The All Saints portion would not be absolutely full for another 23 years and was as sanitary as any other. There were 142 spaces available for Holy Sepulchre and 120 for St Paul’s parish which was strongly opposed to closure. The Rev E.C. Pearce of St Bene’t’s said there were 60 vaults and brick graves likely to be used again; he had never seen remains exposed when a new grave had been made. At St Edward’s there had been 47 interments in the last 10 years, 23 of which were not parishioners and had no right to burial in the ground & there was space for another 120 graves. But St Michael’s parish only had space for 50. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1904 08 25

The Local Government Board have decided to close those parts of Mill Road cemetery which are assigned to the parishes of St Andrew the Less, St Mary the Less and St Botolph but say there is no need for the protection of public health for other areas to be closed. The three portions will be sealed while in the rest of the burial ground interments will continue as usual. This is in accordance with the deep feelings expressed at the inquiry where representatives of the other parishes had protested strongly against their grounds being closed, with the single exception of the Rev Wood who was acting in direct opposition to the wishes of his parishioners. His ‘aesthetic’ vapourings were appreciated by the Inspector for their true worth. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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1905 08 18

Cambridge Town Council has accepted a tender by Messrs Rattee and Kett for £340 to erect a chapel at Mill Road cemetery. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1905 12 08

The new cemetery chapel at Mill Road, erected from the designs of Mr T.D. Atkinson, was opened yesterday. It provides accommodation for Church of England and Nonconformist services, separated by folding partitions. The building is of red brick with Ancaster stone dressings and tiled roofs, and includes vestries and waiting rooms. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1907 07 26

An unusual accident occurred in Mill Road cemetery when a funeral party was returning from the graveside. A horse attached to one of the mourning coaches became frightened and bolted. The coach overturned and several occupants were thrown into the roadway, receiving cuts and bruises. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1909 07 02

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Mr Thomas Rippingale, for many years one of Cambridge’s best-known cab proprietors. A large number of friends and representatives of the cab trade attended, together with members of the Oddfellows. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1910 08 05

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Mr William Coulson, who for over forty years had been associated with the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade. Members of the brigade attended in uniform and the coffin was borne by firemen. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1911 02 24

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Mr William Smith, one of the oldest employees of the Cambridge Corporation, who had been connected with the borough for more than forty years. A large number of Corporation employees attended the service. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1913 01 31

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Mr Henry Sturton, one of Cambridge’s oldest tradesmen. Representatives of many public bodies and a large number of townspeople attended the service. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1913 05 30

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Mr James Potts, for many years connected with the Cambridge Fire Brigade. Members of the brigade attended in uniform and the coffin was carried by his colleagues. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1915 01 29

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Police Constable George Wright. The coffin was followed by a large procession of police officers, Corporation officials and townspeople, while many spectators lined the route. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1915 12 17

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Private Frederick Parker, whose death followed wounds received whilst serving with the British Expeditionary Force. Military honours were accorded and representatives of local volunteer organisations attended. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1916 07 28

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Private Sidney Rix, who died from wounds received whilst serving in France. The coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was borne by soldiers, and military honours were paid at the graveside. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1917 04 20

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Lance-Corporal Harry Hall, whose death followed active service. Representatives of his regiment and many local friends attended the interment. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1918 11 15

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Rifleman Ernest King, who died shortly after the Armistice from wounds received on active service. Military honours were accorded and many comrades attended. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1919 02 14

The funeral took place at Mill Road cemetery of Driver Alfred Taylor, whose death occurred after his return from military service. Members of ex-servicemen’s organisations joined the funeral procession. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1920 11 12

The unveiling took place at Mill Road cemetery of a memorial to Cambridge men who died in the Great War and were buried there. A large gathering attended the ceremony, which included representatives of the Corporation, clergy, former servicemen and relatives of the dead. *Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1922 11 03

The annual service at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery was attended by a large gathering. Wreaths were placed on the graves of the fallen and the service was conducted by local clergy, with ex-servicemen and relatives taking part. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1925 11 13

The annual Armistice service at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery was attended by representatives of ex-Service organisations, the Corporation, clergy and relatives of the fallen. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1931 11 13

The annual Armistice Day service was held at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery. Members of ex-Service organisations, civic representatives and relatives attended the ceremony and wreaths were laid. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1936 11 13

Representatives of ex-Service organisations, civic leaders and relatives attended the annual Armistice service at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery where wreaths were laid in memory of those who had died in the First World War. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1940 11 15

The annual Armistice service was held at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery. Despite wartime conditions, representatives of the Services, civic authorities and ex-Service organisations attended the ceremony. *Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1947 11 14

The annual Armistice service was held at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery. Veterans, civic leaders, members of youth organisations and relatives attended, and wreaths were laid in remembrance of those who had died in the two World Wars. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1954 11 12

The annual remembrance service at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery was attended by representatives of ex-Service organisations, the Corporation, clergy and relatives of the fallen. Wreaths were laid after the service. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1964 11 13

The annual remembrance ceremony took place at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery. Ex-Service organisations, civic representatives and relatives attended the service and laid wreaths. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1978 11 10

The annual remembrance service at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery was attended by representatives of ex-Service organisations, civic leaders, members of the armed forces and relatives of those buried there. Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

1988 11 11

Veterans, civic dignitaries and relatives gathered at the War Graves in Mill Road cemetery for the annual Act of Remembrance, where wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in war. *Source: Mike Petty, Cambridge Mill Road: a Scrapbook 1897–1990.

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Further Reading

• Wikipedia entry
• Friends of Mill Road Cemetery
• The Siren by Alison Bruce. A crime novel set in Cambridge featuring the cemetery.