Beckett Street Cemetery

Beckett Street Cemetery is a burial ground in Leeds that spans across several hectares with thousands of grave markers and monuments throughout its grounds. The site is divided into separate sections reflecting different burial traditions and religious practices over time.

The cemetery was established in 1845 and was among the first municipal burial grounds in England, following legislation passed in 1842 that required new burial facilities. Its creation marked a turning point in how cities organized and managed burials on a larger scale.

The cemetery grounds feature separate sections for Anglican and nonconformist burials, marked by distinct stone markers known as pencil stones.

The site is accessible by public transport and visitors should check opening hours in advance as they can vary. Digital records are available to assist genealogical research if you are looking for information about family members buried there.

A special section called Light Brigade Row holds the grave of Frederick Short, a survivor of a major military conflict, with an unusually decorated grave marker. This spot connects the cemetery to a rare historical link with a military veteran from the 1800s.

Location: Leeds

Inception: 1845

Address: Beckett Street Cemetery, ​Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7AA

Website: http://beckettstreetcemetery.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.80673,-1.51672

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08