Historian Liz Argent will be tracing the origins of the cemetery which opened on Bratton Road in May 1857. The tour will take in graves of interest through to the history of the three family mausolea, the chapels and the lodge.

The cemetery, which cost £4,000, was constructed after the Home Secretary banned burials in churchyards except under special circumstances. At first a plot of land was earmarked on the other side of Bratton Road but the current site was deemed more suitable and work began in 1856 to draw out the boundaries, lay out the cemetery and construct the lodge. The work which included detailed landscaping and some of the current trees date from this time.

“The cemetery is the last resting place of thousands of Westbury people and holds a wealth of local history,” explained Liz who chairs the heritage society which runs the town’s museum. “This should be a fascinating guided walk”

Tickets are limited so pre-book to avoid disappointment.

Meet at the entrance to the cemetery.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Heritage Society.