Loxley Cemetery
Location/Address
Long Lane, Loxley, Sheffield S6 6RL
Type
Description
Loxley Cemetery dates back to the late 18th Century, with the first recorded burial being in 1806. It is the graveyard for Loxley Chapel (or Church as it is sometimes known), which was built in 1787. Originally the church was Anglican and known as the Loxley Congregational Chapel, but it was rented to Protestant Dissenters (or Independents) in 1798, and they subsequently bought the building and graveyard. The cemetery surrounds the chapel on three sides and holds over 4000 burial plots; burials in family plots can still take place there. It contains 14 war graves that are recognised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, plus at least 22 victims of the Sheffield Flood of 1864. The families buried in the plots are from all over Sheffield as the Chapel was a large and important centre for Independent worship in days gone by, it could hold up to 1000 worshippers. The church closed in 1993 and was sold privately; the building has deteriorated into a ruinous state over the years and the churchyard has become seriously overgrown with almost no visible monuments at the beginning of 2021.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Historic cemetery of around 10 acres with over 4000 burial plots, including monuments to World War victims, The great Sheffield Flood after the Dam burst and many notable local families.Age
Dates from late 1700s with the earliest recorded burial in 1806. The chapel was constructed in 1787.Rarity
This is a large cemetery associated with a historic Unitarian Chapel. There are few others in Sheffield.Architectural and Artistic Interest
Many of the monuments and tombs are in the old Gothic style with some being family crypts housing the remains of at least six family members undergroundGroup Value
The cemetery is an intrinsic part of Loxley Chapel but while the Chapel is a listed building, the cemetery is not.Historic Interest
The cemetery is a significant part of local history, burials have taken place there for over 200 years. It reflects the importance of the 'dissenters' faith and the industrial heritage of the Loxley Valley and its surrounds. There are many burials of local mill owning families and their workers from when the Loxley Valley was a hub of industry. The Chapel was originally built to provide a spiritual place of worship for a much loved curate from Bradfield church whose loyal followers wished that he would remain in their local community. Many welll known figures in the local community provided the funds to enable the land to be purchased and the church to be built and equipped. There are many connections to local families who were or have become well known over the years.Archaeological Interest
The archaeological interest in this site relates to the many burials, especially those who have been interred in underground crypts, some of which are still accessible and have places remaining for additional burials.Landmark Status
It is a well known landmark to the local community, many of whom have family members and ancestors buried there. It has been upsetting to many people to see how it has deteriorated since the church closed. The site, being on a hillside is clearly visible and by the size of the site, is a notable area in the local communityImages and Documents
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Date Listed
15 Aug 2022
Last Updated
15 Jun 2022
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