Some interesting history on why and how the Old Cemetery was created from 15 acres of land on the South West corner of the Common in 1846

The Old Cemetery dates from 1846.

Before 1820 the only place in Southampton for burials was St Mary’s churchyard, apart from a few small plots adjoining the other churches and the Quaker graveyard on the Avenue.

In 1821 All Saints burial ground was opened behind the Star Hotel but quickly became full. In March 1837 the council set up a committee to consider a site for a new cemetery, but difficulties in finding suitable land held up the project until 1846 when the Old Cemetery was eventually created from 15 acres on the south west corner of the Common. It was enlarged with a further 5 acres in 1863.

It was landscaped by W H Rogers and its construction was supervised by J C Loudon (D.M.B.).