Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery: Discover how Yorkshire cemetery honours it's 1,000 war heroes

Its mission is simple: to ensure that heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom are never forgotten.
Steve Teale
By Steve Teale
Published 11th Sep 2023, 08:59 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2023, 08:59 BST

So people of Yorkshire invited to discover world war history at local Heritage Open Days.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will be opening the doors of Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery for free tours, talks, demonstrations, and interactive activities.

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People attending will learn about the history of the CWGC who commemorate the 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women who lost their lives during both world wars. Tours will discuss the remarkable stories of the men and women of the Commonwealth forces who are buried at Stonefall.

Army cadet Eden Grundy lays a candle at a fallen Canadian grave at the Candlelit Christmas Remembrance event held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's (CWGC) Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate. Picture Tony JohnsonArmy cadet Eden Grundy lays a candle at a fallen Canadian grave at the Candlelit Christmas Remembrance event held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's (CWGC) Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate. Picture Tony Johnson
Army cadet Eden Grundy lays a candle at a fallen Canadian grave at the Candlelit Christmas Remembrance event held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's (CWGC) Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate. Picture Tony Johnson

Visitors will learn how CWGC staff, supporters and local volunteers preserve the unique cultural, horticultural and architectural heritage and ensure that the stories of those who died are told. On Wednesday, members of the public will be invited to try their hand at stone engraving and will learn the importance of headstone maintenance as well as hearing from our horticultural experts. Other activities will include headstone rubbing and an activity trail for children to explore.

Michele Jennings, Director of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, said: “Everyone in Harrogate is very welcome to attend the Heritage Open Days at Stonefall Cemetery. They’re a great opportunity to learn how the CWGC honours and cares for the men and women of the Commonwealth who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten.

“There’ll be plenty going on from fascinating tours and talks to interactive activities such as stone engraving. Visitors will also learn how our charitable foundation engages thousands of people through innovative volunteering and outreach projects, providing opportunities to explore the legacy of the people, architecture, and heritage of the two world wars.”

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The following weekend, further tours of the site will take place on Saturday and Sunday September 16 and 17.

With more than 1,000 Commonwealth war graves, Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery is one of the largest CWGC sites in the North of England. Most burials are of airmen who died during the Second World War flying from the bomber command bases which were established across Yorkshire. More than 600 of the casualties served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and they include two 17-year-olds.

To tie in with the Heritage Open Day theme of ‘Creativity Explored’, particular attention this year is going to be drawn to the architecture and horticulture at the site. The shelter at Stonefall, which is built of Yorkshire stone, was designed by CWGC’s principal architect, Sir Edward Maufe who was from Ilkley. He was related to a part-owner of the famous Brown Muff & Co department store in Bradford, which later became Rackhams.

To book a free tour at the Open Day or on the 16 th / 17 th September, visit www.cwgc.org/opendays

Related topics:Commonwealth War Graves CommissionHarrogateYorkshire