The tranquil haven restored by painstaking work of volunteers

Behind an unassuming gate in Oxford lies a sanctuary of history and nature, untouched by time yet shaped by tireless hands.

Holywell Cemetery is a place where gravestones whisper tales of academics, writers, and tradespeople, while its greenery hums with the life of insects, birds, and small mammals.

Yet, this tranquil haven hides a history of neglect and a journey of painstaking restoration.

Unearthing a forgotten treasure

When the Revd Canon Will Lamb arrived in 2017 as Vicar of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Holywell Cemetery was a wilderness.

“The graves were completely overgrown, hidden under thick ivy and brambles. It was like a jungle,” he recalled.

What began as a neglected burial site had, over decades, become so overgrown it was almost impossible to navigate.

Created in 1847 by an Act of Parliament in response to cholera epidemics, Holywell Cemetery was intended to serve five Oxford parishes.

The Oxford cemetery is a haven for wildlife which is encouraged with bird boxes (Image: Christos Chatzis) It became the resting place for notable figures such as Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, alongside academics, clergy, local residents, and notable tradespeople, including Benjamin Henry Blackwell, the founder of the iconic Blackwell’s bookshop chain.

Despite its significance, the cemetery fell into disrepair after the retirement of its last caretaker in 1931.

Today, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the site has been transformed into a refuge for both history and biodiversity.

“It’s a delicate balance,” said Bill Bannister-Parker, one of the Friends of Holywell Cemetery.

“We want to preserve these historically significant grave markers while protecting the wildlife that has made its home here.”

This balance is particularly challenging with some graves, as softer stones with lead lettering can crumble if moss or ivy is removed, requiring a careful approach.

Balancing nature and heritage

The restoration has been a labour of love, blending ecological sensitivity with respect for history.

Volunteers carefully clear pathways and restore visibility to historically significant graves, while leaving other areas undisturbed to support small mammals and insects.

However, the team has had to navigate challenges, such as managing badgers.

“Badgers are beautiful animals, but they’ve created significant damage,” Bannister-Parker admitted.

The historic site was created in 1847 and is the resting place of Oxford writers, politicians and scientists (Image: Christos Chatzis) The cemetery’s monuments tell their own stories.

Among them is the terracotta headstone of Sir John Rhys, a rare Symbolist memorial made at the Compton Potters Art Guild, and a Westmorland slate Celtic cross commemorating Revd Canon Hastings Rashdall.

These markers, alongside countless others, contribute to the cemetery’s unique character.

One of the oldest documented burials is that of William and Anne Merryman from the early 1600s.

Another striking memorial belongs to Elizabeth Franklin, wife of the Kings Arms publican, who died in 1622.

While these graves predate the cemetery’s establishment, they were carefully recorded when St Mary the Virgin relocated memorials from its earlier burial grounds.

In 2024, the Oxford Preservation Trust recognised the volunteers’ dedication with a Landscape and Public Realm plaque.

“Winning this award was a huge moment for us,” Bannister-Parker shared. “It validated the hard work of all the volunteers and brought attention to what makes Holywell so special.

“It’s not just about uncovering gravestones; it’s about creating a space where history and nature coexist.”

The people behind Holywell’s revival

On a sunny but chilly Saturday morning, I joined the Friends of Holywell Cemetery during one of their monthly gardening sessions.

Barbara Reid, a retired teacher with lifelong ties to the cemetery, arrived shortly after I did and wasted no time getting started, clearing leaves from the soil and moss-covered areas.

Her passion for the place was unmistakable as she chatted warmly while she worked.

(Image: Christos Chatzis) “I’ve known Holywell Cemetery all my life. I was married in the chapel here, my parents were buried right behind me, and my son was baptised nearby. It’s been a very special place,” she said.

Barbara’s passion for Holywell extends to researching the lives commemorated there. “You might have the Archbishop of South Africa next to a college servant, next to an artist, next to a mountaineer,” she said, her voice animated. “It’s fascinating.”

Anne, a civil servant and writer, also feels a strong bond with Holywell. “I came to see the graves of writers I admire, like Kenneth Grahame, and felt compelled to help preserve this place,” she shared.

While working, she pointed out a wooden cross set into a wall, a memorial to a young army officer buried in Belgium, placed near the grave of his sister – a detail I might have overlooked without her insight.

Looking forward

Holywell Cemetery remains a public space, offering tranquillity to students, workers, and visitors alike.

Dr Lamb mentioned plans to enhance visitor engagement through QR codes, explaining, “We need scannable codes so people can access content on their phones and explore the cemetery at their own pace.”

These QR codes will be placed on brochures about Holywell, making it easier for visitors to connect with the site’s history while preserving its peaceful simplicity.

The Friends of Holywell Cemetery are clear in their mission: maintaining the harmony between history and nature.

Their work is evident in the 100 species of flora and fauna identified during a 2023 Church of England Count on Nature survey, and the birdhouses and owl boxes installed to attract more wildlife.

Holywell Cemetery (Image: Christos Chatzis) Holywell Cemetery, open 24 hours a day, serves as a peaceful haven for reflection but occasionally attracts a varied mix of visitors, including, at times, homeless individuals seeking shelter. “It’s a sacred space, and most people respect that,” Bannister-Parker noted.

“But every so often, we’ve had to deal with minor issues, like clearing up beer cans left by younger visitors.”

These rare occurrences are understandable in a space that is always open and do little to disturb the cemetery’s overall tranquillity, which remains a valued sanctuary for many.

For now, Holywell Cemetery stands as a testament to what community-driven restoration can achieve.

It’s a place where Oxford’s rich history is inscribed on every gravestone and where nature flourishes.

As Bannister-Parker notes: “It’s a very overlooked place. As you probably saw, it’s hard to find at first, and the entrance is quite dark, so it doesn’t exactly invite you in.

But once you step inside, you can see just how special it is.”

His reflection captures the essence of Holywell – a place not just for the departed, but for the living who seek solace, connection, and renewal.

Christos Chatzis