Abbey Cemetery Cemetery Memorial Inscriptions CD
The Memorial inscriptions from Bath Abbey Cemetery have been recorded by Widcombe Association and other volunteers, the names researched by Dr Phil Bendall and the results collated by him in a limited-edition bound volume. We are fortunate, however, to have easy access to those records - some 5000 - on an attractively-produced CD-ROM:
This CD is a fascinating historical document; a must for local historians and for anyone researching local family history. The pages can be seen on easily-viewable PDF files. (These can be viewed using the software Adobe Acrobat, which can be downloaded free from the Adobe website.) The latest version of Acrobat has a powerful search function which enables the user to find a particular name or word in the records easily.
There is also an historical overview of the Cemetery, including an article from The Bath Chronicle dated 1 February 1844, detailing how the Rector of Bath, a certain W J Broderick, set up the cemetery by paying £3 - 4,000 for the land . In describing the Cemetery, the article says:
"The Cemetery is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of our vicinity. While its distance from the Abbey is not more than three-quarters of a mile, the Cemetery is quite in the country, and is placed amid a most delightful combination of natural objects. Its site is that sloping tongue of land in Lyncombe Vale upon which grow the fine old elms which form part of the avenue well known as Allen’s Road, leading to Combe Down. The Cemetery begins at the first Lodge, and extends to the second. It is difficult to imagine a more lovely spot: it is characterized by the most striking attributes of rural beauty, besides which, it commands some of the most charming views of Bath and the surrounding country which our vicinity affords. It is, in short, just such a place as one would like to associate with the remembrance of departed friends."
We can only agree!
The CD is available from the WA secretary - Email for a copy. Cost £10 + £1.50 P&P.