stinkywitch
Member
A trip out solely to visit Undercliffe. Seriously amazing place, and because it is still in use, there is still some maintenance going on in the majority of the cemetery. However, like Wardsend, there is a serious knotweed problem which takes out a portion of the cemetery in terms of exploration.
Obviously, Bradford has a rich industrial history and this is evident through the cemetery and also the amazing headstones.
Would definately recommend a visit if you have not been!
Some history - The population of Bradford exploded in the early 19th century, with the population rising by 90,000 people in 50 years. This resulted in overcrowding in unsanitary and poor living conditions - houses were built with little regard for planning, water was contaminated and refuse was left to build up. Poor conditions in the workhouses added to the health issues, with workplace accidents common. Established graveyards were quickly becoming overcrowded.
The Burial Act of the mid-19th century allowed Burial Boards to be set up either as independent bodies or as part of the council. Undercliffe Cemetery was one such site, set up by 13 business men. Undercliffe allowed the rich to pay for premuim sites (in churchyards, they were buried side by side) along the promenade and the centre of the cemetery, with 'company' graves being located in more remote spots.
The original company that bought the Undercliffe site went into liquidation in 1977, with a property devleoper buying the site a few years later. Due to the deteriorating condition, Bradford MBC was put under pressure to purchase the site and Friends of Undercliffe Cemetery was formed.
Source:- A brief history of Undercliffe Cemetery in Bradford
Now for the pictures!
The promenade - really takes your breath away!
More pictures at: Undercliffe Cemetery, Bradford -November 2016 - Album on Imgur
Obviously, Bradford has a rich industrial history and this is evident through the cemetery and also the amazing headstones.
Would definately recommend a visit if you have not been!
Some history - The population of Bradford exploded in the early 19th century, with the population rising by 90,000 people in 50 years. This resulted in overcrowding in unsanitary and poor living conditions - houses were built with little regard for planning, water was contaminated and refuse was left to build up. Poor conditions in the workhouses added to the health issues, with workplace accidents common. Established graveyards were quickly becoming overcrowded.
The Burial Act of the mid-19th century allowed Burial Boards to be set up either as independent bodies or as part of the council. Undercliffe Cemetery was one such site, set up by 13 business men. Undercliffe allowed the rich to pay for premuim sites (in churchyards, they were buried side by side) along the promenade and the centre of the cemetery, with 'company' graves being located in more remote spots.
The original company that bought the Undercliffe site went into liquidation in 1977, with a property devleoper buying the site a few years later. Due to the deteriorating condition, Bradford MBC was put under pressure to purchase the site and Friends of Undercliffe Cemetery was formed.
Source:- A brief history of Undercliffe Cemetery in Bradford
Now for the pictures!
The promenade - really takes your breath away!
More pictures at: Undercliffe Cemetery, Bradford -November 2016 - Album on Imgur