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This Saturday 15th June the Raikes Road Burial ground will be open from 11.00 with a guided walk at 11.15am. Take the chance to see this little known gem of victorian Skipton.

About Raikes Road Burial Ground

Opened between 1846 and 1876, it remains the only burial ground in Skipton 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.

Raikes Rd, Skipton BD23 1NT