Location/Direction

Doncaster Road is one of the main routes out of the city centre and the gates to the Cemetery are situated on the right-hand side of the carriageway approximately half a mile away from Kirkgate Bridge on the A638. Wrought iron railings mounted on a low wall run parallel with Doncaster Road to their termination at the southern boundary of the cemetery at the Grazier Hotel. The Rugby League ground of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats situated in the area known as Belle Vue can also be used as a landmark for visitors.

Statistics 

First Burial 
Name:- Sarah Lee (wife of Henry) (master spinner)
Address:-  Burton Street, Wakefield
Date of Burial:- 13 April 1859
Aged:-  33 years
Size of Cemetery  Approximately 32 Acres  

Information  

By far the largest of the cemeteries in the area both in geographical size and by the numbers of interments. Wakefield Cemetery was opened in 1859 to accommodate the ever-increasing death rate in the growing city. The site was a private estate with Belle Vue House occupying the site of the chapels, which have now been demolished following an arson attack in 1991. The house originally belonged to the Naylor family who were mill owners of Wakefield but was purchased in 1856 by Sir J. Pilkington who two years later demolished the house and presented the land to the corporation for use as a cemetery. The sheer size of the establishment demonstrates the demand placed on burial grounds and indicates the problems which would have been created had the cemetery not been opened.

The memorials within the cemetery illustrate the wide social and monetary divides which were evident in the Victorian era, and also our ancestors’ attitude towards death.  

An abundance of special and interesting features are prominent in the cemetery, and the visitor will wander in amazement at the elaborate and often ornate course taken by our forebears in their endeavour to commemorate their loved ones. The vandal attack to the chapels was caused by a generation whose values appear far removed from those whose vision once created this haven of historic wealth. Fortunately to date the original lodge and administrative centre is still standing in the cemetery entrance. A large modern lawn cemetery has been created adjacent to the original across Sugar Lane, which, whilst being in total contrast is nevertheless a very pleasant and peaceful resting place and one which clearly indicates the changing attitudes towards burial.

The cemetery now provides a facility for the interment of cremated remains in a small memorial garden.