Brunel’s BristolBristol is dotted with Brunel’siconic landmarks, and some of his associates are buried in Arnos Vale too, includingJames Hosken, Captain ofthe famous SS Great Britain.Look out for this simple stone block on your left.

To learn more why not book onto one of ourexpert led tours?

9

Height of fashion

The beautiful evergreentrees towering overheadwere considered veryfashionable when thecemetery opened, like the Himalayan Cedar hereand Austrian pines nearby.Other exotic speciesfavoured by the Victoriansfrom around the world, are the Chilean Pine (or‘Monkey Puzzle’), WesternRed Cedar, and Irish Yew.

A haven for wildlife

Arnos Vale is a valuablehabitat to many speciesof wildlife and the cluesto their presence are all around in the sights,sounds and smells of the cemetery.

2

Not all as it seemsWhen is a gravestone not a gravestone? When it’s a grave-wood. This memorial at the fork of the path is made of Burmeseteak. Others made of stone can be carvedto look like wood, boulders or plants.

3

Bristol’s bestArnos Vale is the last resting place of many people who played animportant part in shaping the city. Mary Carpenter set up a ‘RaggedSchool’, providing free education for Bristol’s poorest children.

To learn more about Mary Carpenterwhy not pick up one of our specialisttrails, available in the gift shop?

5

Secret symbolsGravestones can use symbols as wellas writing to give hidden messages.Often these were used to expressfeelings of sadness and loss, butsome can tell us details like aperson’s age, faith and social status.Decipher the symbols in our guidebook available in the gift shop.

6

Showing its ageAfter more than 175 years, thelandscape has transformed since the first burial of Mary Breillat, hereon 29th July, 1839. At that time thiswhole hillside was open fields, with aclear view through the Victorian smogto industries along the river Avon.

Optional buggy route (blue dotted line).Continue along the main path and follow it downhilluntil you meet the main road. Stop at the grass island.

Traces left behindThis is the tallest obelisk in Arnos Vale and would have taken great skill to carve. Like paintings in a gallery, memorial masons liked to sign their work, perhaps as a way to advertise their skill.

Can you find the makers name?

8

A place for all faiths

Arnos Vale was divided onreligious lines to provide aburial space for differentreligious groups. Arnos Valewas built with two MortuaryChapels and burial areas to accommodate bothAnglicans and other ‘non-conformist’ faiths.

11

Meet the neighboursArnos Vale wasn’t the only cemetery established by theVictorians in the neighbourhood. Next door to the east is Holy Souls Catholic Cemetery, and St Mary Redcliffe’sCemetery is across the Bath Road.

12

Home sweethome

For generations, cemetery stafflived with their families in theLodges at Arnos Vale. While noone lives in the lodges anymore,the tunnels underground makea comfortable home forroosting bats.

13Lost but not forgotten

Arnos Vale is the last resting place of more than 530 servicemen andwomen who lost their lives duringWW1 and WW2 and other conflicts.The 239 men buried in ‘Soldiers’Corner’ are casualties of WW1 whocame from the UK, Ireland and thecommonwealth.

10

A place of pilgrimageThis impressive monument marks the grave of one of Arnos Vale’s most famous people. RajahRammohun Roy is known around the world as the“father of modern India” and his grave is a placeof pilgrimage for visitors from near and far.

Bristol landmarks to visit: His statue on CollegeGreen and painting in the City Museum.

Saved but not safeArnos Vale was saved after decades of neglect andis now managed by the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trustas a charity dependent on public donations.

Please help with a donation to ensure the future of Arnos Vale for generations to come. The maindonation box can be found at the top of theSpielman Centre steps.

16

14

ARNOS VALE DISCOVERY TRAILDiscover the people, wildlife and history that make Arnos Vale so special.

Visit safely – This trail includessome slopes, muddy paths andsteps, with an optional routesuitable for buggies, prams andwheelchairs. Please stick to thepaths and keep dogs on leads.

A working cemeteryArnos Vale Cemetery opened in 1839,and has stayed open as a workingcemetery ever since. There are nowmore than 300,000 people remembered here.

1

No expense sparedWhen it came to funerals andgravestones, the Victorians wantedthe grandest they could afford.The Matthews family spent £1,000 on their memorial (about £61,000 in today’s money).

4

15

Toilets

Disabled Access

Information

Cafe

Gift shop

Parking

Discovery trail

Buggy route

5o

i

7

Start beside Garden of Rest 1

P