Bristol - Arno's Vale Cemetery

Bristol - Brislington - Arno's Vale Cemetery - Page 1

Brislington lies in east Bristol, on the main A4 road that heads towards Bath. At one time it was a village in its own right, but became part of the city many years go.

This look around the district starts where lots of people end up - the cemetery at Arno's Vale. Over the last few years the cemetery has been the centre of an argument. The owner wants to redevelop the land but local people and the relatives of those buried here have so far prevented him from doing this. The site is huge and although parts of it have been sadly neglected it is a great place to get away from the city and walk in peace and quiet.

The cemetery originally cost £13,340 and was opened in 1836. One side of the cemetery was consecrated in 1840 and by the end of the 19th Century 96,000 burials had taken place. It cost £15 - £30 for a brick grave in perpetuity or 12s 6d for a common burial.

A Victorian guidebook described it as "a beautiful spot, most carefully conserved and admirably managed." Parts of it are now very sadly neglected.

View of Arno's Vale Cemetery

A view of Arno's Vale cemetery

Overgrown graves - Arno's Vale Cemetery

Overgrown graves

Damaged graves - Arno's Vale Cemetery

Damaged graves, probably by tree growth, but vandalism does take place here.

Only last week a couple of teenagers were tried in court for breaking into a crypt and stealing human remains. This was reported in the Bristol Observer dated 28th July 2000.

More overgrown graves - Arno's Vale Cemetery

More overgrown graves, but what a wonderful place to rest

Last resting place of Thomas Gadd Matthews and his wife

In a shady spot lies this wonderful monument to Thomas Gadd Matthews and his wife.

The plaque reads :-

Sacred to the memory
Thomas Gadd Matthews, of this city, merchant.
Who died 23rd June 1860, aged 59 years
Also of Mary, widow of the above, who died
6th July 1864, aged 50 years

Mauseleum - Arno's Vale Cemetery

One of the massive buildings in the grounds of Arno's Vale Cemetery

Friends of Arno's Vale Cemetery

This page created 2nd August 2000, last modified 11th December 2005

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