Zillebeke Churchyard, Commonwealth Plot

Zillebeke Churchyard, Commonwealth Plot is a burial site containing 32 graves of soldiers from the United Kingdom and Canada within the village churchyard of Zillebeke near Ypres. The graves occupy a distinct section within the larger cemetery grounds.

The cemetery was established in 1914 when the front line trenches of World War I passed through the village of Zillebeke. Its location near the fighting made it a necessary burial place for the fallen during the early war years.

The cemetery earned the nickname 'Aristocrats Cemetery' because many officers buried here came from noble families of the British Empire. This name reflects the social rank of those who rest in this place.

The cemetery sits roughly 3 kilometers east of Ypres town center along Maaldestedestraat, accessible via the N8 road. The grounds can be reached on foot and are open to visitors year-round.

Architect William Harrison Cowlishaw designed this plot with unusual features that allowed private memorials, which went against standard Commonwealth cemetery rules. This exception made it stand out from typical burial grounds maintained by the organization.

Location: Ypres

Architects: William Harrison Cowlishaw

Address: Zillebeke-Dorp

Website: https://cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/55903/zillebeke-churchyard

GPS coordinates: 50.83553,2.92226

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:08