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Visiting Us
The Holy Ghost Cemetery is a hidden treasure of 1.2 hectares of tranquil green space at the heart of modern Basingstoke.
In 1858, the Cemetery was extended into the current footprint to accommodate the growing population and wealth of the town. The Gothic Cemetery Lodge, which is also listed, was the birthplace of the cricket commentator John Arlott. Several important local figures are buried in the Cemetery including Thomas Burberry, the clothing manufacturer, Alfred Milward of Milwards Shoes and John Aidan Liddell, Victoria Cross.
The Holy Ghost Cemetery has many mature specimen trees which create a peaceful and relaxing open space with seasonal changes marked by snowdrops, primroses and cyclamen.
The Holy Ghost Cemetery is located in the centre of Basingstoke and can easily be reached on foot from Basingstoke Railway Station which forms one of the boundaries. The main entrance is half way up Chapel Hill when leaving the town centre. The Postcode is RG21 5TB. There is enough hard standing for 3 cars in the Cemetery.
PLUS there are FIVE FREE WALKING GUIDES AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD!
Opening Hours:
Free access at all times.
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Events
The South View Conservation Group organise a regular programme of volunteer work parties in the Holy Ghost Cemetery, focusing on maintenance of the resource as an historical open space, conservation of the monuments and the special characteristics of this unique site.
South View Conservation Group Work Parties
Volunteer work parties take place on Saturday mornings once a month between September and May. Please Contact Us using this form if you would like to become a volunteer.
There are no work parties over the summer to protect habitats and increase biodiversity.
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Schools
Pupils of all ages attending our local Schools and Colleges take an active interest in the Holy Ghost Cemetery and have incorporated historical and ecological aspects into their curriculum work.
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History
The Holy Ghost Cemetery has a fascinating history going back to 1208 and the reign of King John, but the fate of the Cemetery and the two Chapels has always been closely linked with Royal Patronage.
A school has been on the site since 1633. The school building was a half-timbered structure consisting of one large room situated on the foundation of the western tower of the original Holy Ghost Chapel, the remains of which can still be seen today. The schoolroom remained within the Chapel ruins until the Queen’s Free School opened in Worting Road in 1855. In 1937, work began on the successor to the Queen’s Free School, the Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Vyne Road, which was later to become The Vyne School.