Linthorpe Cemetery is the oldest working cemetery in Middlesbrough. The earliest burials date back to the 17^th century, although most of the site was acquired for burial purposes in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

As well as being a historical resource – charting as it does the development of Middlesbrough as a town – it is also the largest area of woodland in urban Middlesbrough and has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The site is also important as an educational resource for local schools.

Linthorpe Cemetery is owned and managed by Middlesbrough Council, with a voluntary group, the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery, playing an important role in caring for the cemetery and raising awareness of its importance.

 With a wealth of heritage and history and a rich diversity of wildlife, right in the centre of Middlesbrough, there are many opportunities for both formal and informal educational visits.

Educational workshops at the Cemetery in 2007 included ‘Plants and Animals’, ‘Minibeast Safari’, ‘Life Cycles’, ‘The Secrets of Herbs’ and ‘Autumn Lantern Making’.

 If you have any memories of Linthorpe Cemetery that you would like to share do let us know. We will keep a record of any feedback and share it with visitors to the Cemetery and other groups.

Additional funding has been received through the Landfill Communities Fund for improvements to the Central Space at Linthorpe Cemetery and to install entrance boards and other interpretation around the site. The funding has been provided by Biffaward and Impetus Environmental Trust.


Central Space

The Central Space is the focal point for the Cemetery, and is used for events such as the annual Environment Day. The area was formerly the site of the Cemetery Chapels, which became unsafe and were demolished in the 1980’s.

The Central Space has huge potential for use in future events and activities. It is also a popular area to sit and enjoy the views of the Cemetery. Plans are currently being developed for the area. In outline, the design will include marking out the locations of the chapels in stone and providing specially designed seating. There is also the potential in the future to include some form of feature on the site of the spire.

Interpretation

Funding will be used for information boards at each of the entrances to the Cemetery. Additional interpretation boards will also be provided at the principal points of interest around the Cemetery including the nature conservation area, Mortuary Chapel and Quaker Burial Ground.

Further information on the Biffa Award can be found at www.biffaward.org.uk

    Project run in partnership with                     Project funded by
                 

Middlesbrough Environment City is the trading name of Middlesbrough Environment City Trust Ltd.
Registered Charity No. 1070131. Company limited by Guarantee Registration No. 3386853.