Friends of Wombwell Cemetery
Creating a cleaner, greener, safer place for the community
THE CEMETERY
Before the cemetery opened, a foundation stone was laid by the Reverend H. Clayforth in 1867. This was a standard ceremony performed when laying a new building or opening new grounds. During the presentation, the Rev'd was given a silver-plated trowel and mallet which was engraved to him in the laying of the foundation stone for Wombwell Cemetery.
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In 1868 the cemetery opened after a few complications with the chapels, and the grounds were blessed by the same Reverend Clayforth. Those in attendance were the
A photo of the late Reverend Henry Clayforth who opened the cemetery in 1868.
Consecration of a new section in the cemetery which was added on at a later date
A photo looking down the path towards Cemetery Road. The cemetery house is on the left.
A photo of the late Reverend Henry Clayforth who opened the cemetery in 1868.
HISTORY
The cemetery opened in 1868, so you can probably guess that there is a lot of history behind it. Every person has a story to tell and when that person is interred in Wombwell Cemetery, it becomes our job to tell it and let that story, that person, live on.
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This page will touch upon the history behind the cemetery, but not delve too deep as we have guided tours available. These are beautifully delivered by our current Chairman, Karen. If you would like a guided tour, or if you are too far away and would like more information, contact us.
builders, masons, joiners, plumbers, members of the Wombwell Burial Board and the community of Wombwell.
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Over time, the cemetery fell into decline. Both chapels became derelict, one losing its roof to a fire and the other abused as a storage. Alcohol and substance misusers and thugs saw the cemetery as the perfect place for deals, vulnerable people, and as a secretive hideout. The community of Wombwell looked upon the cemetery as a morbid and unsafe place to be until late 2002.
150th Anniversary
In September 2018, the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery celebrated the cemetery's 150th Anniversary.
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The history video that was shown on the day can be found by clicking here!
THE TOUR
A brief look at the guided tour
Mark Jones
Mark Jones was one of the eight Manchester United players killed in the Munich Air Disaster in February 1958. Jones is buried in a family grave that is well kept and decorated with a stone football.
William Gash
Gash was supposed to be involved with the Charge of the Light Brigade, but due to injury he stayed well away…
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1st Baby Memorial
We have two baby memorials for the 690 babies and infants in unmarked child poverty grave. The first, although it appears the biggest, is the smallest of the two. Dates 1868-1948.
2nd Baby Memorial
The second baby memorial is the biggest of the two, which was placed first to remember some of the 690 babies and infants in child poverty graves. Dates 1948 – 1978.
1st Burial
​The very first burial in the cemetery was of a nineteen-year-old male named Thomas Wadsworth. His grave is located near the Peace Garden next to the bench that faces the Community Hub chapel.
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Alfred Flaxman
Alfred Edward Flaxman was an athlete who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics and served as a Second Lieutenant with the South Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916.
Fallen Angel
This angel comes with a very fascinating story of how she was lost and then found, including some very strange coincidences that shed light on the lady in the grave: Annie Wilde.
Stone Violin
The stone violin is always of interest to anybody passing by. It belongs to Willie Johnson, a violinist for the string band that once played across Wombwell and Barnsley.
Killed by Lightning
On a walk through the woods on the way to work, Mr Kaye and a friend were struck by lightning and killed. Find out more on the guided tour.
Roy Kilner
Roy Kilner was an English professional cricketer who played for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 1911 and 1927. In 1928 he died from enteric fever. His funeral was attended by over 100,000 people.
Frank Collindridge MP
Frank Collindridge J.P., C.B.E. was elected as Member of Parliament for Barnsley in 1938. He represented the constituency until he passed away aged 60 during the 1951 general election campaign.
Barnsley Pals
Our Barnsley Pals memorial is inspired by the memorial in France, which was dedicated to those who lost their lives at the start of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916.
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The new stone was funded by the Co-Operative and erected in 2017.
We Will Remember Them
For a list of our soldiers, click here.
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We have 31 soldiers buried in Wombwell Cemetery and 96 soldiers buried elsewhere that are remembered on family graves; all of which we remember.
