Ford Park Cemetery

'Ford Park Cemetery was established in 1848 by the Plymouth Devonport and Stonehouse Cemetery Company. It covers 34.5 acres of land adjoining Central Park in the heart of Plymouth. During Victorian times it was the main burial place for the Three Towns and it remained the leading burial ground for Plymouth until well into the 20th century ...

'When there was a real prospect of Ford Park cemetery being closed, with the financial collapse of the original cemetery company, local people were galvanised into saving this very special place. Their energy, commitment and courage to take on this unusual venture resulted in the ownership and management of the cemetery being passed to a new Ford Park Cemetery Trust.

'The Trust was born In April 2000 – a Company Limited by Guarantee and charitable status – with strong support from the City Council and community. During the guardianship of this Trust the 34.5 acre site has been transformed from a sleeping beauty previously smothered by neglect, and at its lowest ebb closed on the grounds of public safety, into a beautiful green open space in the heart of the city.'