Centenary Chapel 2

A slightly more distant view of York cemetery's Centenary Chapel shown a few days ago. On this occasion, the chapel was the venue for Ebor Ruggers who were showing off their work during Open Studio week. 

More blossom

… in York cemetery. 

Centenary Chapel

… in York cemetery. An enlargement might reveal that the windows are trapezoid, slightly narrower at the top than at the bottom. 

More magnificent magnolia

… once again in York cemetery, looking over to Cemetery Road.

White on white

The Centenary Chapel seen through magnolia in York Cemetery. 

Ebor Ruggers

Displaying in York cemetery's Centenary Chapel during the Open Studio event. 

Angel stoned in York cemetery

A second picture from the recently discovered York cemetery and nature park. I find this sculpture both poignant and elegant. See this recent post for more on this 24 acre green space just out of the city walls.

Autumn fire in York cemetery

Following a recommendation from York jazzman, composer and photographer, Tim New, I finally made it to York cemetery this week and enjoyed an hour's stroll through what is effectively a 24-acre nature park. To capture the atmosphere of the place, you really must listen to Tim's Angels and Saints and watch the accompanying slideshow here. 

The cemetery was opened in 1837 and went into voluntary liquidation in 1966, a process which took 13 years, during which time the grounds became overgrown and the buildings decayed. The collapse of the chapel roof stimulated a group of concerned York folk to take steps towards its restoration, an initiative which eventually led to the formation of The Friends of York Cemetery and then The York Cemetery Trust. We are in debt to their dedication, as a visit to the site will demonstrate, and even more so, a visit to this beautiful green space. 

This Garden of Death: the History of York Cemetery 1837-2007