Arnos Vale Cemetery

Arnos Vale Cemetery first opened in 1839 and was designed as a garden cemetery, in the style of a Greek Necropolis, and inspired by the Père-Lachaise in Paris and later, London's Kensal Green Cemetery. In a few short years after opening, Arnos Vale became the fashionable place to be buried in Bristol. However, by the 1980’s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair and was subject to a compulsory purchase order by Bristol City Council to prevent a redevelopment plan by the then owner.

Since then The Heritage Lottery Fund has helped with significant restoration and to establish the cemetery as a charitable foundation, The Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, with much assistance from a large band of volunteers.

Not only are there the glorious architectural features of the Anglican Chapel and the Spielman Centre, but the East and West Lodge gatehouses at the entrance provide a hint of the fantastic variety of sculptural, and in some cases, rather extravagant, ornate memorials.

The site occupies 45 acres of woodlands, walks, pathways and avenues, with significant areas rather overgrown. As such, there are a multitude of photographic opportunities around every corner.

Meeting for the walk will be at 10am at the on site cafe, where maps of the site will be available, with introductions and a plan for the day. Free parking is available adjacent to the café.

My preference for the follow up talk on 15th June would be in person, where we could view images from the day as both prints and on screen, but there would be a small cost to cover the room hire and donations to the Cemetery Trust would also be expected.