A historic cemetery in Barrow has been awarded listed status for its national significance.
Thorncliffe Cemetery has been listed at Grade II on Historic England’s National Heritage List.
The 66-acre cemetery was designed by renowned Victorian landscape designer Edward Kemp and opened in 1873 on land purchased from the Duke of Devonshire. Designed on a sloping site and taking advantage of views over Walney Island and the Duddon Estuary, the cemetery largely retains most of its original layout.
This follows the Grade II listing of the grave monument to James Gall, that received the status earlier this year.
Mr Gall was one of five men rescued by Grace Darling when the SS Forfarshire sank off the coast of Northumberland in 1838 and the grave monument, which features a 10ft tall lighthouse, pays tribute to Gall and commemorates the heroism of Grace Darling. It was listed as part of Historic England’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.
The Cemetery gatehouse, former Roman Catholic chapel, the Ramsden Mausoleum, north lodge, and north lodge gateway are all also Grade II listed and designed by notable Lancaster firm Paley and Austin as part of the original landscape masterplan. These were listed in 1993.
Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet member for Transport and Regulatory Services, Councillor John Murray, said: “It is fantastic news that Thorncliffe Cemetery has been nationally recognised by Historic England.
“Not only will the listing help to safeguard the future of the site, but it highlights to locals and visitors alike the rich and interesting history of the area.”
£600,000 of funding has been committed by Westmorland and Furness Council to repair the cemetery gatehouse and former Roman Catholic Chapel.
Works are due to be tendered to contractors in 2025 which will see roofs and rainwater goods repaired and the buildings mothballed until additional funding is identified to bring the buildings fully back into use.