The West Lodge has been restored and is now a visitors centre which opened in March 2006.  The Anglican Chapel has had its bell tower removed for safety and awaits restoration. Previous visitors to this page will be pleased to hear that the WW1 Memorial was restored by the War Graves Commission - completion June 2006.  The Crematorium Cloister would benefit from a face lift.

The Non-conformist Chapel

The Non-conformist Chapel was designed by Underwood in the 'Ionic' style - a little grander than the 'Doric' gatehouses but less grand than the 'Italianate' Anglican chapel with its 'Corinthian' columns. The existence of all three styles of architecture in one cemetery is probably unique in the UK.

This memorial to Mary Breillat was set up by her husband John when she died in 1839 and she became the very first entry in the Arnos Vale burial register.  John Breillat was mainly responsible for bringing gas lighting to the streets of Bristol. 

Here is an example of a grave that need restoration. The unusual teak Denty memorial which has stood up well to the elements but less well to vandalism. The inscription on the Denty monument reads "Edward Mervyn Denty died October 4th 1939 aged 54 Beloved by all 'he who brings sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep happiness from himself' also Peggy Marie Denty beloved daughter of Elsie & Mervyn Denty died December 9th 1961" - A delightful sentiment, he must have been a nice chap.

The inscription reads "In loving memory of Leonard the beloved son of Colin and Mary Campbell who passed to rest with Jesus Dec. 2nd 1912 aged 20 years." Anchors have an obvious nautical association but they are also a pre-Christian symbol of safety and hope adopted by the Christian church as a symbol of the hope of salvation and eternal life. for more information on the symbolism of grave art go to www.arnosvalefriends.org.uk

W. Kempa died 25th December 1943, fighting with the Polish forces and Frederick George Pym died on 12th February 1919 aged 35 years - a member of the RNVR,  he was a telegrapher on HMS Cyclops. Louis Napoleon Green is one of 100's of remembrances found on family memorials - selected here because of his wonderful name.  He was a Lance Corporal in the 1st/4th battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment. The inscription - 'killed in action July 16th 1916 aged 19 1/2 years'.  He was killed in the Battle of the Somme and is remembered here and on the Thiepval Memorial - he has no known grave.

  Kempa and Pym are two of over 600 brave men and women of the forces buried or cremated at Arnos Vale from different nations while Louis Green is one of hundreds more who are mentioned on family memorials but buried in other places or in no known grave.  In addition, civilians who died as a result of enemy action, like young Freddy Thomas above, can also be found at Arnos Vale.

A few of the many examples of lavish carving that lies hidden amongst the trees at Arnos Vale.  A broken column symbolises a life cut short and the weeping willow indicates the grief. A Grecian urn is draped in a cloth to symbolise mourning.  Find out more about symbolism at  www.favc.freeserve.co.uk

Thomas Tovey Smart.  The inscription reads "In loving remembrance of Thomas Tovey Smart, late of Southville, Bedminster L.A.C. & L.R.I.P Edinburgh.  Who departed this life on the 26th day of August 1882 in the 68th year of his age.  He was for a period of 42 years a medical officer of the Bedminster Union and in this capacity earned a very high reputation for his professional skill and the kindness he uniformly displayed towards his very numerous patients.  He was a truly and pre-eminently conscientious practitioner and the poor lost in him a kind and sympathetic friend.  This memorial has been placed here by his bereaved widow and numerous friends." 

There are over 170,000 burials in the cemetery.  There is much to be done and the lottery support depends upon the Trust raising £500,000 from other sources.  If you would like to help with the restoration and preservation of Arnos Vale Cemetery, you can find out more details on the website of the 'Friends of Arnos Vale': www.arnosvalefriends.org.uk

The burial registers are not available to the public but they are held for safe-keeping in the Bristol Records Office and the Arnos Vale Trust (which manages the cemetery on behalf of Bristol City Council)  is now able to carry out family history searches of these records.  A standard fee of £23 is charged and full details are available on the Trust website: http://www.arnosvale.org.uk/ .

The Books of Remembrance for the crematorium are now available in the West Gate Lodge which was opened following restoration by the Lord Mayor of Bristol in mid-March 2006.  The Books are on display to the public between 10.00 - 13.00 Monday - Saturday: ring the bell on the lodge door to gain entry.