Historic Places

Those taking the heritage tour on Saturday, 9 August will be among the first people to see the recently re-discovered grave of Arnos Vale’s Victorian architect, Charles Underwood, which has been found close to a path behind the Anglican Chapel.

Tour guide Jane Pucknell, who was involved in the discovery, said: “It was only in June that we realised that Charles Underwood was actually buried here. I was involved in the discovery of the grave, so I’ll be able to give visitors a first-hand account.”

The Victorian cemetery in south Bristol contains the remains of thousands of Bristolians, but by the late 1990s had fallen into a state of disrepair.

In 2001 its private owners sparked controversy when they announced plans to sell the 45 acre site on the A4 Bath Road, for development.

The families of those buried there fought back and in October 2002 Bristol City Council issued a compulsory purchase order for the land and it is now vested in a trust.

In December 2005, Arnos Vale was awarded a £4.8m Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of the cemetery, which includes a grade II listed park and garden, with listed tombs and chapels, within a conservation area.

The August heritage tour is a great chance to check on the progress of the restoration programme, which began with work on the major buildings in May.

The tours will continue and the cemetery will remain open throughout the 18-month restoration programme. 

The 20th century buildings have now been demolished, while the Anglican chapel and the Raja Rammohun Roy’s tomb are both encased in scaffolding.

On Sunday, 10 August, the day after the heritage tour, guide Sarah van der Meer will lead a wildlife walk, focusing on summer flowers and butterflies.

Arnos Vale has been home to at least 25 different butterflies from March to October in recent years, including species such as brimstones, orange tips and red admirals, as well as tortoiseshells, peacocks and commas.

Booking for all tours is essential. Both tours cost £3, which goes towards the restoration and maintenance fund. The heritage tour begins at 10am on Saturday, 9 August and will last for about two hours, the summer flowers and butterflies tour begins at 2pm on Sunday, 10 August.

For a place on a wildlife walk contact Sarah van der Meer at sarah_vandermeer@hotmail.com. For the heritage tour, contact Dave Napier on dave.napier@blueyonder.co.uk.