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West Hill Cemetery (also known as West Hill Old Cemetery)

Introduction

The site of about 2.8 hectares is on the southern slope of West Hill with its northern boundary on St James Lane. There were two chapels in Tudor-Gothic style, both of which were demolished in the 1930s. The flora is composed of many species found in chalk grassland with a number of other flowering plants self-seeded from floral tributes. There are one or two fine trees and some modern planting.

The flora is composed of many species found in chalk grassland with a number of other flowering plants self-seeded from floral tributes. There are one or two fine trees and some modern planting. The lodge still stands and although the cemetery is now closed, occasional burials in family plots and vaults do still take place.

In 2004, West Hill Cemetery is not neglected, but not particularly well looked after either. It serves as a cut-through to the city for students of the University of Winchester but has the potential of remaining a haven of peace. It is a strong part of the Victorian history of Winchester with long views to St Catherine's Hill.

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
History

The site of about 2.8 hectares (7 acres) is on the southern slope of West Hill with its northern boundary on St James Lane. The land belonged to the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral. Winchester Cemetery Company was established by Act of Parliament and the first directors' meeting was held on 1 March 1840.

Owen Browne Carter's plans for the gate-lodge, two chapels and the boundary walls of the present West Hill Cemetery were produced at the directors' meeting on 31 March 1840, together with tenders which were duly accepted at the meeting. The perimeter wall with its elegant pillars and railings and the wrought iron gates are Grade II listed structures, but the Lodge is not.

The Gate-lodge and chapels were designed in Tudor-Gothic style. The ground-floor window on the road elevation of the gate-lodge has diamond-shaped label stops and the original part of the surviving lodge is built of similar blue-grey bricks to those used at the Otterbourne and Ampfield churches. The construction of the lodge and the chapels was completed by September 1849. One chapel was for members of the Church of England and the other for ‘Dissenters'. Both were demolished in the 1930s.

Winchester Corporation Bill was passed in 1952 and the title passed to the City Council in 1953. In 1958 Winchester Council took over control of the area, which by that time had become neglected and unloved. Since then there has been periodic removal of gravestones and Hampshire Gardens Trust has endeavoured to put forward measures for minimal maintenance whilst at the same time holding on to the gravestones.

Period

  • Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
  • Victorian (1837-1901)
Features & Designations

Designations

  • Conservation Area

Features

  • Chapel
  • Description: The chapels were demolished in the 1930s.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Boundary Wall
  • Description: Perimeter wall.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Railings
  • Description: The perimeter wall has elegant pillars and railings and wrought iron gates, which are listed.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Gate Lodge
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
Key Information

Type

Funerary Site

Purpose

Sacred / Ritual / Funerary

Principal Building

Religious Ritual And Funerary

Period

Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)

Survival

Extant

Hectares

2.8

Open to the public

Yes