NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Jesmond Old Cemetery, Jesmond Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1NL

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery

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Jesmond Old Cemetery, originally known as Newcastle General Cemetery, was designed by John Dobson and opened as a private cemetery in 1836. It is situated on a 10 acre site, sandwiched between Jesmond Road and Sandyford Road in South Jesmond. Often described as the ‘Highgate of the North’, it contains a wealth of social history, particularly in relation to Newcastle’s founding fathers of the Victorian era. Buried within Jesmond Old Cemetery are such famous local names as John Dobson himself, the Laing and Hancock families, who bequeathed art galleries and museums to the people of Newcastle and the Bainbridge, Fenwick, Chapman, Pumphrey and Dove families, who all established well known retail businesses within Newcastle. There are a number of Grade II listed memorials.

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the Cemetery had become somewhat neglected so the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery were formed in April 2008 and, working in partnership with Newcastle City Council, it is our stated aim to promote for public benefit, the restoration, conservation and respectful enjoyment of Jesmond Old Cemetery, including its monuments, buildings, green space, wildlife and the overall environment.

The Friends group have already had a huge impact on the Cemetery, gaining financial support from a number of local businesses, attracting local media attention and being involved in a number of new projects that include repairs to sections of the perimeter wall and the restoration of the currently derelict South Lodge to its original John Dobson designed exterior. Once this is complete, part of the building will be utilised by the Friends group as a base for their activities. The restored Bainbridge memorial is illustrated.