Cleckheaton Old Cemetery

Cleckheaton cemetery opened in 1852 in the Whitcliffe area. One of the main promoters of the scheme was Edward "Neddy" Dearnley, who also made generous donations to the cost. It wouldn't be known as the "Old" cemetery until 1903 when the "New" cemetery was built.

At the time when the cemetery was opened the area was still very much rural and the only residence nearby, was that of Heaton House in what is now called Peaseland Road. There are several references in local records that this road was known locally as Cemetery Road for some time.

9 Jun 1873 - The annual meeting of the Cemetery Trustees was held. Those present were: Joseph Clay, W. Anderton, Ephraim Gibson, W.B. Birkby, A. Anderton, W. Hudson and Alfred Law. The acting trustees are: W. Stocks and Alfred Law. Mr George Akroyd is secretary.

In 1878 following the death of George Eastwood, Mark Blackburn, a stone mason from Whitcliffe, is appointed the new manager of the cemetery.

In 1891 the Cleckheaton Local Board discuss the question of enlarging the cemetery and would consequently meet with problems getting the necessary consent from the property owners who would be affected.

In 1905, Samuel Law of Carlton House, Cleckheaton, presents the Trustees of the Whitcliffe Cemetery with a plot of land to the south. The ground is not to be used for burial purposes, but is to be laid out and beautified so as to add to the attractiveness of the cemetery as a place for quiet rest and contemplation.

1927 - Caretaker of the Whitcliffe Road Cemetery recorded as Wallace Ellis.

29 Sep 1939 - 1939 Register entry - Cemetery House, 71 Whitcliffe Road. Cemetery caretaker & grave digger recorded as Wallace Ellis.

Grave Inscriptions

There are over 1100 stones in this cemetery. There are numerous well-known families buried here. Some graves are very basic just giving a name and date, others provide much more details and there are a few which tell of disasters a long way from home.

The buttons below relate to surnames found on gravestones in this cemetery along with the associated inscription. If more than one surname appears on a stone, then it is duplicated to each surname. Many thanks to Gordon Hodgson who has provided these details. This project is as complete as possible.

Burials

These are not "official" burial records but death notices from local newspapers which state the interment took place here.