A tranquil place
It always surprises me how such a tranquil place can be so close to such a busy part of the city. The Extra Mural Cemetery is an infrequently-visited location and the perfect place to discover Brighton’s past through its famous residents whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Interesting tombs
For me, one of the most interesting tombs is that of F.W. Robertson. Rev. Robertson was a liberal charismatic preacher whose admirers included Charles Dickens. His tomb takes the form of an Egyptian obelisk, funds for it being raised by members of the Brighton Mechanics institute, a testament to how well loved he was by the working people of Brighton. An equally impressive monument marks the Ginnet family. The Ginnetts were a circus family of French descent who were famous in the 19th. century for their spectacular shows. Fittingly, their imposing granite tomb features a large horse.
Gothic charm
Less grand but no less interesting is the small grave of an African boy, Tom MS Highflyer, who was rescued from a slave ship by a Brighton family. Other Victorian notables here include Hablot Knight Brown (the illustrator “Phiz”) Brighton historian. J A Erredge and pleasure boat owner and local character Captain Collins. Although many of the graves are overgrown and ivy-covered, I think this adds to the cemetery’s gothic charm.
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Your tour was great Sally, thank you. I thought I knew the Cemetery pretty well as I have lived next door to it for years. However, I have not heard of Tom M.S. Highflyer – is it possible (I know the Cemetery occupies a huge area!) to explain where to find the grave? Many thanks.
Thanks for the feedback, Helen. Tom’s grave is behind Woodvale Crematorium, just off Woodvale Drive. Staff at Bereavement Services, Woodvale Lodge have confirmed that Maire McQueeney’s Walkers Guide is available there. This is a really interesting, informative leaflet with a map of the most significant graves.
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