Aldergate Cemetery
Also known as New Burial Ground
Tamworth, Tamworth Borough, Staffordshire, England
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Aldergate Cemetery in Tamworth, often mistaken as part of St Editha's churchyard, was actually a separate burial ground, established in 1851 on land donated by Hester Wolferstan of Tamworth Castle. It was known as the "New Burial Ground" until 1873, and as Aldergate Cemetery thereafter. The cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield and was managed by trustees. It served as the town's main burial ground after St Editha's closed, (with some exceptions), in 1856. It was intended for residents of Tamworth and Tamworth Castle only, prompting concerns when others were buried there, and adding pressure to the requirement for a new cemetery – this would eventually be built on Wigginton Road. Aldergate Cemetery officially closed for new burials in 1876, though family burials continued into the 20th century. Over the years, the cemetery fell into neglect, with issues of vandalism, trespassing children, and even pasturing sheep. Attempts were made to maintain and secure it, culminating in a plan to transform it into a Garden of Rest. By 1951 the Council had acquired the necessary redevelopment rights. Most gravestones were moved to the perimeter, except for a group near the Church Street entrance, and the Clarson vault. In 1970, paths were adjusted to accommodate access to the new library. Aldergate Cemetery remains a quiet green space to this day, with no signage to indicate its interesting history.
Aldergate Cemetery in Tamworth, often mistaken as part of St Editha's churchyard, was actually a separate burial ground, established in 1851 on land donated by Hester Wolferstan of Tamworth Castle. It was known as the "New Burial Ground" until 1873, and as Aldergate Cemetery thereafter. The cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield and was managed by trustees. It served as the town's main burial ground after St Editha's closed, (with some exceptions), in 1856. It was intended for residents of Tamworth and Tamworth Castle only, prompting concerns when others were buried there, and adding pressure to the requirement for a new cemetery – this would eventually be built on Wigginton Road. Aldergate Cemetery officially closed for new burials in 1876, though family burials continued into the 20th century. Over the years, the cemetery fell into neglect, with issues of vandalism, trespassing children, and even pasturing sheep. Attempts were made to maintain and secure it, culminating in a plan to transform it into a Garden of Rest. By 1951 the Council had acquired the necessary redevelopment rights. Most gravestones were moved to the perimeter, except for a group near the Church Street entrance, and the Clarson vault. In 1970, paths were adjusted to accommodate access to the new library. Aldergate Cemetery remains a quiet green space to this day, with no signage to indicate its interesting history.
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- Added: 6 Aug 2025
- Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 2837132
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