This week I happened to be in Oxford again so took the opportunity to visit
Wolvercote Cemetery so those of you who visit from Inspired Sunday my apologies for no interiors this week. It was also the chance to visit the grave of a famous author.
The cemetery was opened in 1889 and has areas for various denominations & religions and quite a few notable people are buried here. There are also 44 Commonwealth War Graves though I admit I did not find that many. There is also a small chapel and an old Mortuary building. It is one of four old cemetery's in Oxford five if you include Botley
In this blog I will endeavour to show some of what I recorded.
Wolvercote Cemetery so those of you who visit from Inspired Sunday my apologies for no interiors this week. It was also the chance to visit the grave of a famous author.
The cemetery was opened in 1889 and has areas for various denominations & religions and quite a few notable people are buried here. There are also 44 Commonwealth War Graves though I admit I did not find that many. There is also a small chapel and an old Mortuary building. It is one of four old cemetery's in Oxford five if you include Botley
In this blog I will endeavour to show some of what I recorded.
October 2023 I added some new photos
The entrance to Wovercote cemetery off the Banbury road
On display as you go in are a couple of awards
The first burial area you see is the Jewish one
Where I came across the grave of Fight Sergeant J.L Shaer Navigator Royal Air Force.
The plaque below has the inscription.
In honored memory of Fgt/Sgt Joseph Shaer from his old pals from Brady Boys Club
Also in Memory of his friend and fellow Bradian P/O David Miller shot down over Germany 22/10/1943
He is buried in Hanover War Cemetery 3.B.7
Walking on by and along the footpath you come to this broken memorial
The plaque below has the inscription.
In honored memory of Fgt/Sgt Joseph Shaer from his old pals from Brady Boys Club
Also in Memory of his friend and fellow Bradian P/O David Miller shot down over Germany 22/10/1943
He is buried in Hanover War Cemetery 3.B.7
Walking on by and along the footpath you come to this broken memorial
The top which was a crucifix is standing against the base
The wording on the other side of the base is hard to make out but the name I could make out was
Margaret Rebecca Hughes
This is the Children's Remembrance area
Though the fountain seems to be turned off and not working
Can't find any information on Princess Bridget Esiri who is buried here
Some of the more modern graves in the cemetery
I love the verse on the back of this headstone
Couple of different religions buried near each other
I just liked the simplicity of these headstones
These are green burials with a tree as a memorial
The Russian Orthodox area of the cemetery
These crosses have been laid over for Health & Safety reasons
More recent view of the cemetery
There are some beautiful headstones and graves here
The cemetery chapel
The entrance which was locked
This was rather a stunning memorial
An anchor which I forgot the meaning behind, I always thought it was because they were old seafarers
Some of the older headstones
Various crosses
Lieutenant C.A.Pittar MC of the Coldstream Guards another off the 44 commonwealth war graves in the cemetery
I Think this is the old mortuary for the cemetery
A crucifix memorial which has been laid over for H&S reasons
More of the cemetery, the memorial of the little girl was that of a child
Some of the crosses
Looking towards the chapel
The main reason I cave to visit was to see this grave which is that of J R R Tolkien
I felt a bit disappointing as I thought it needed some TLC
My latest visit showed the grave has been tided up
You van see the inscription now
One of the taller crosses
Frame holding watering cans used for the flowers on graves
Have a Peaceful Sunday.
29 comments:
Thanks for the tour through this old cemetery. I enjoy what's written on tombstones and seeing the statuary.
I did not spend as much time there as I would have liked, I was more over awed by what I saw there
What a fine post, Bill.
«Louis» agrees with you that the Tolkien grave needs attention.
You mentioned liking simple gravestones. You might like these.
An interesting tour.
i think you addition was perfect for our InSPIREd Sunday get together. what loving stones. so different from the US. i agree with you - very stunning. ( :
Why is it that we are so fascinated by cemeteries Bill, I can't resist them when I'm visiting somewhere new. Parts of the cemetery look really well visited and others a little neglected. I've been surprised by the simplicity of some celebrity sites as well ..I really enjoy coming along on these trips :)
I'm like you I enjoy the tombstones-and from time to time the headstones are totally captivating and original and some are as Edith Mary's somewhat neglected .
Think I've read that before Louis but thanks for showing it me again, they are a bit simpler that our war grave headstones. Seems to be well trodden round Tolkiens grave so I would have thought they would keep it tidy
Thank you Jim
Thanks Beth, I like visiting cemetery's as well and there are a few more I want to visit yet.
Think I should repost some of my old blogs, you might enjoy them
The cemetery in next town has many neglected ones so covered in Ivy you think it was a bush
Beautiful Bill. I love the ornaments!
Enjoy your week! ;-)
Gert Jan Hermus
dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com
What an amazing and varied cemetery. Fantastic picture.
Thank you for linking up with Cemetery Sunday
Beneath Thy Feet
Yes I notice there was even a dragon on the rosebush. Thanks for visiting and the comment Gert
Yes though I was a bit overawed as to what should be photographed.
Some of these stones are so lovely ---- wonderful photos, as always! :)
Thank you Jen, there some wonderful ones there
I'd love to wander that cemetery! It would be so interesting.
I've not ruled out a revisit sometime
Will look forward to it Bill.
An impressive series with such varied head stones and comments. Well done.
Thank you Don
Nice one, Bill. There's something about cemeteries - so many stories; and you have shown us some particularly stunning memorials. Talking of cemeteries - I'm off to Ypres later this year with some friends, to visit WW1 sites; my 3rd visit.
You know I'd love to go and visit them but have no passport now, look forward to seeing your blog on it. There are a few more disused cemetery's in Oxford I'm going to visit sometime and one in Reading
Always appreciate your sharing on Taphophile Tragics, Bill. :)
A stunning series. happy the Man or (woman!) is a lovely phrase- I used to love the old Genesis track by that name.
As I said before not problem, always a pleasure
I went to see Phil Collins at Earls Court many years ago so you have a Genesis fan here.
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