The one and a half acres of the burial ground were established in 1857 when extra burial space was needed as the city of Cambridge expanded in Victorian times. The first burial there was in 1869 and the cemetery was closed in 2020. Today some 2500 people of every religious denomination and none are buried in 1500 plots. Many city and university dignitaries, scientists and scholars are buried there including three Nobel prize winners. Perhaps one of the burial ground’s most famous graves is that of Ludwig Wittgenstein, philosopher (1899-1951). More information on those buried there can be found on Wikipedia.
The Friends hold regular working parties for the upkeep of the cemetery, while ensuring it retains its unique charm. The burial ground is a highly bio-diverse site which provides a wildlife corridor in an area of urban expansion. The Friends undertake regular surveys of the flora and fauna, and also have a rolling programme for the maintenance of gravestones. The Friends also organise other events to mark and celebrate different aspects of the burial ground and its history.