The Catacombs & Lower Cemetery, Exeter, Devon

Taken from the top, looking over the Lower Cemetery.

The Catacombs and Lower Cemetery were opened in 1837, five years after the cholera epidemic of 1832. That event and the growth of Exeter had stretched the city's burial resources, and it was decided to use the steep slopes of the Longbrook Valley below the then existing St Bartholemew's Yard (Upper) Cemetery.

 

Designed by Thomas Whitaker, they were the first to be funded by public money. The catacombs, built to look like Ancient Egyptian tombs, were reserved for the wealthy. However, at a charge of 20 guineas, this proved to be too high and, despite lowering the price, only 16 interments occurred during the first year.

The cemetery was eventually closed in 1949 and is now disused. The stepped and meandering paths are beautifully maintained, its natural look and the abundance of mature trees making it a delightful walk.

It's such a tranquil place. It was a soft, moist spring day in May 2009 day when I took these photos, and the misty greens are a total delight.

 

Taken from the lower end, above, the Egyptian theme continues with an obelisk shaped tombstone.

Below can be seen some of the gravestones; these particular ones have been taken out and ranged against the lower boundary wall.

 
There isn't any access into the catacombs themselves, but they are opened on certain tours by the city tour guides...notably during a night walk on Halloween!

Such a magical place, and I hope you enjoyed the tour. :)