Open Day at Raikes Road Burial Ground

Step into Skipton’s Victorian past this Yorkshire Day as the Raikes Road Burial Ground opens its gates for a special heritage event.

Join guided talks at 11.15am and 2pm to uncover the fascinating stories, traditions and social history hidden within this remarkable site.

It’s a rare chance to explore one of Skipton’s most intriguing historic places and learn more about life in Victorian times.

Opened between 1846 and 1876, Raikes Road remains the only burial ground in the town still in its original state.

The burials at the site provide a fascinating and unique insight into Skipton’s Victorian community and include some notable Skiptonians such as Rudyard Kipling’s grandparents and the Reverend William Cartman, who officiated at Charlotte Brontë’s funeral. Plus heroes of the Napoleonic war, the Crimea war and an Australian from the First World War; as well as many local trades people and characters.

The last burials took place around 1900, but the site remains consecrated ground. At some stage the burial ground included a chapel and a mortuary, with associated pathways, but there is now little trace of these facilities on the ground.

Due to historical neglect, the ground has become something of a wildlife haven with trees over 250 years old, various wildflowers and grasses.

The guided tour is a perfect for history lovers, families and curious visitors.