Friends of Billing Road Cemetery invite the Northampton community to discover the history of 13-acre site
The Friends of Billing Road Cemetery group invite the Northampton community to discover the history of the 13-acre site, which welcomed many during the recent heritage weekend.
Pauline Whittall has been the treasurer and membership secretary for Friends of Billing Road Cemetery since the group was launched in February 2024, and she spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about the important work they do.
“Our aim is working collaboratively to conserve and enhance the Billing Road Cemetery to create a safe, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable place for the benefit of all,” said Pauline. “It’s a forgotten place really, many don’t know it’s there. On a nice and quiet day, you could forget where you are and that you’re in the middle of the town.”
Among the Friends of Billing Road Cemetery group are two former archaeologists – one is interested in the history of the objects within the grounds, like the paths and gate posts for example, and the other is a garden historian.
When asked why she feels passionately about conserving the area, Pauline continued: “I’ve got family in there, eight to 10 blood relatives, and it’s a personal thing. I like the setting and its biodiversity.”
There are more than 50 members and many like to physically get involved with maintaining the grounds, while others pay their membership fee but are unable to assist due to mobility issues.
There is a core group of around 20 people who regularly attend the cemetery and Pauline says path clearing has been a particularly popular activity. They asked WNC not to put weed killer down to ensure the biodiversity thrives.
“We get a lot of comments when we’re working, and there are regular people we see and have a rapport with,” said Pauline. “They say we’re doing a really good job and to keep up the good work.”
The social side is also a big draw for members of Friends of Billing Road Cemetery, particularly gathering at their butterfly count and the big garden bird watch. The latter is organised annually at the start of each year to mark the anniversary of the group launch.
Across the recent heritage weekend, five free-of-charge guided tours were hosted. Visitors were talked through the prominent names buried there such as Bassett Lowke and Caroline Chisholm, its general history, and how it came to be that there are sadly no buildings left.
The two lodges, one used by a superintendent and the other by the groundskeeper which contained a chapel, are no longer standing.
“You can come and enjoy the peace and quiet, enjoy a walk around and chat while we’re working,” said Pauline. “The membership is a benefit but you don’t have to be a member to help out.
“What we’re interested in is if people have family buried here. Let us know as the more information we can get, the better. There are around 20,000 plots and 40,000 burials across 13 acres.”
Membership is £10 per year and if individuals would like to contribute more to the upkeep of the cemetery, they are welcome to – and memberships are also available as gifts.
The team is hopeful about saving up for future works but will wait to see if these plans gain permission as the cemetery is positioned in the conservation area, so they are limited as to what they can and cannot do.