Dating back to the 11th century, the 1.2 hectare cemetery whilst now only used for cremated remains interments, still retains its special character. A network of footpaths, historic headstones, and mature trees provides an ambient setting for two listed buildings, the Holy Ghost Chapel and the cemetery lodge.
For information on conservation work in the cemetery, please follow the link to the South View Conservation Group page.
This was the town’s graveyard from the 13th century until it was full in about 1912 although cremation interments may still take place here. It contains the Grade II* listed ruins of two chapels – the west wall of the 13th century chapel of the Holy Ghost and the tower and arched windows of the early 16th century chapel of the Holy Trinity, added to the earlier chapel by Lord Sandys of the Vyne at Sherborne as a burial place for his family.
Although the older headstones have been removed and laid as paths, burials from the 1850s onwards record the history of the town since then, with many interesting townspeople buried here. Mature trees make this a lovely setting with seasonal changes marked by snowdrops, primroses and cyclamen. The cemetery lodge, also listed, dates from 1850 and was the birthplace of John Arlott. In 2009 a heritage open day was held here and a trail produced of some of the notable graves and of the ruins. You can find it at the Basingstoke Heritage society’s website www.bas-herit-soc.org Click on the link to learn about Mrs Blunden, who was buried alive in this cemetery in 1674.
