Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery

07/11/2025

In this week of remembrance we’ve placed temporary markers on the war graves within the cemetery, to help visitors identify and honour those who served and gave their lives during the two World Wars. Do take a look if you’re passing.

The cemetery contains three Commonwealth War Graves, along with Non-Commemorative and Family graves bearing inscriptions to loved ones who died are buried in war graves overseas. You can download the information displayed on the gate here:https://cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/wargraves.pdf

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

21/09/2025

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Heritage Open Day yesterday. We had a wonderful time meeting so many lovely people and sharing the history and stories of some of those laid to rest here. Visitors came from near and far, some with family connections, others travelling specially to be with us. We hope you all enjoyed visiting as much as we enjoyed welcoming you.

Our special thanks go to Cottenham Village Society for joining us for the day, and to local artist Rob Ellis for kindly displaying his beautiful painting.

Finally, we are grateful to all the trustees, volunteers, and our supporters whose hard work made the day possible. Thank you all!

16/09/2025

This year marks 180 years since Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery was established by the Nonconformist churches. Formally opened on 12 June 1845, it has long served as a place of rest and remembrance for the local community, with around 4,000 individuals recorded in its register.

Join us on Saturday 20th September, 10.30am - 4.30pm, and explore its origins and rich history. Discover the life stories of some of those laid to rest here, learn about the war graves, uncover the meanings behind Victorian grave symbols, and see our historic funeral bier on display. Cottenham Village Society will also be with us for the day.

More info - www.cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/heritageday

07/09/2025

Delighted to be sharing this beautiful watercolour of the Dissenters' Cemetery, painted recently by Cottenham artist Rob Ellis.

We’re also hoping to have the painting on display at our forthcoming Heritage Open Days event on Saturday, 20th September. More info - cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/heritageday

Many thanks again to Rob for kindly allowing us to share this wonderful piece. Visit - instagram.com/rob_in_cottenham to see more of his art.

10/07/2025

Thanks to your votes last time, we were fortunate to win a round of the Movement for Good awards - and nominations are open once again, this time with a BOOSTED prize of £2,000.

We’d be so grateful if you could spare a minute to give us your vote again. Thank you!

Vote by clicking below:

We could receive £2,000 in the Movement for Good draw.

12/06/2025

On this day, 180 years ago - 12th June 1845, Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery was formally opened. According to the Cambridge Independent Press, an assemblage of 500 to 600 people attended the ceremony, with addresses given by Rev T. Sutton (Ebenezer Chapel) and Rev J. Green (Old Meeting House).

The cemetery had been founded by members of local nonconformist churches (Dissenters) in response to the difficulties they faced in burying their loved ones without interference from the established Church. A board of trustees was formed, and an acre of land on Lambs Lane (then known as Mill Road) was purchased from local farmer James Graves for £280, with funds raised through public subscriptions from the nonconformist congregations.

The first interment (burial) in the cemetery was that of three-year-old Ann Norman, daughter of Richard and Molly Norman of Queenholme farm. Ann died of whooping cough on 8th June 1845 and was laid to rest on 12th June 1845 - the same day as the opening. Her memorial carries the inscription: “The first interment in this Cemetery.”

Since then, the Dissenters' Cemetery has continued to serve as a place of rest and remembrance for the local community, with around 4,000 individuals recorded in its burial register.

Today, the cemetery is managed as a registered charitable organisation, overseen by volunteer trustees dedicated to ensuring it remains a peaceful resting place, open to all in Cottenham.

08/05/2025

Today, marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the end of almost six years of war in Europe on May 8th, 1945. It is a time to reflect and pay tribute to all who served during the Second World War. Among them are our friends, relatives, neighbours, many now laid to rest in Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery.

Unlike the more familiar CWGC War Graves, their war service is not evident on their memorials. Yet, here you will find men and women from our local community who served across all branches of the armed forces, as well as those who played vital roles on the home front.

The impact of the Second World War was profound, and many lives were changed, or lost forever. They were ordinary people who faced extraordinary times - We will remember them.

25/04/2025

Beautiful bluebells (of all shades) in abundance this year in the Cemetery!

19/04/2025

11/04/2025

⚠️ Advance Warning - please be aware Durman Stearn - Civil Engineering Ltd will be at the cemetery to commence groundworks for the new extension area. The initial phase of the project will include the construction of a new gated entrance, dropped kerb and driveway to ensure appropriate vehicle access.

⚠️ Eastern Landscape Service Limited will also be returning to carry out further tree work in the old part of the cemetery.

⚠️ Access to the cemetery may be restricted or closed as this work is being undertaken. Please be advised by the contractors if visiting the site.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding.

11/04/2025

Spring in full bloom!! ☀️☀️☀️

The blossom in the cemetery is stunning at the moment! Thanks for capturing and sharing these beautiful photos Ian!