(Above) © Simon Knott, simonknott.com / norfolkchurches.co.uk
A 13-acre graveyard in Norwich which became Britain's first non-denominational cemetery when it was built in the 19th century has had its listed status upgraded by English Heritage.
Rosary Cemetery, a hillside haunt lauded as a hidden treasure by locals in the Norfolk city, has been elevated from Grade II to Grade II* standing, joining an elite list of protected sites considered areas of "exceptional historical interest".
The leafy land was bought by Presbyterian minister Thomas Drummond in 1819 to accommodate more tombs as burial grounds in the region ran out of space for bodies.
Rosary Cemetery lies on the South-East side of Norwich. © Simon Knott, simonknott.com / norfolkchurches.co.uk
John Evelyn, the diarist who visited Norwich in 1671, said churchyards in the city were "filled up" with "the congestion of dead bodies one upon another, for want of earth, to the very top of the walls".
Drummond is thought to have paid for the plot in protest against a law ordering all Christian and non-religious citizens to be buried under Church of England auspices in their local parishes.
Featuring Gothic designs, ornate gates, a mausoleum and chapel and statues of some of Norwich's notable former residents, it is now regarded as a labyrinth-style gem of serenity brimming with well-preserved stones and thriving wildlife.
John Barker, a steam circus proprietor who was accidentally killed on Norwich Cattle Market in 1897, is one of the characters immortalised at the Cemetery. © Simon Knott, simonknott.com norfolkchurches.co.uk
English Heritage's register contains 1,450 locations, most of which are given Grade II branding. Less than a third are designated as Grade II*, with 10% categorised as Grade I.
"This is fantastic recognition of the historical importance of Rosary Cemetery,"said Norwich City Council regulatory services manager Mike Stephenson.
"It's also a wonderful tribute to all the great work that the volunteer group The Friends of the Rosary Cemetery do."
