Reading Old Cemetery, Victorian cemetery in Reading, England.
Reading Old Cemetery is a Victorian burial ground covering about 11.5 acres, featuring stone monuments, ornate memorials, and many mature trees throughout its grounds. The site displays careful layout with varied memorial styles that reflect the diverse burial culture of the 19th century.
The cemetery opened in 1843 following the Reading Cemetery Company Act of 1842 as the town experienced rapid population growth during industrial expansion. Its creation addressed the urgent need for burial space to accommodate the expanding community.
The grounds contain separate sections for Anglican and Dissenter burials, marked by a low brick wall that reflects religious divisions of the Victorian era. This spatial arrangement shows how important religious identity was to burial practices at the time.
The grounds are easy to walk through at your own pace, with clear paths between graves and memorial areas. Wear comfortable shoes and take care in wet conditions, as the ground can become slippery.
The cemetery holds Commonwealth war memorials and the grave of Willie Wimmera, an Aboriginal Australian who died in Reading and was buried far from home. This burial represents a rare and poignant link between two distant cultures during the 19th century.
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