Trowbridge, The Down Cemetery [16]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 14 Jan 2021

Alongside the domed mausoleum seen at Image is this simple monument. The land for The Down Cemetery was purchased and the cemetery laid out in 1854-55 with a broad central avenue dividing the consecrated and unconsecrated sections, two chapels, a lodge, and serpentine outer walks. The cemetery is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade II, with much detail at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001587. The 20th century extension to the south east is outside the listing. A market town and county town of Wiltshire, Trowbridge lies on the River Biss, 6 miles (10 kilometres) south of Bath. The town developed as a centre for woollen cloth production from the 14th century, which from the 17th century became increasingly industrialized, so much so that, in 1820, Trowbridge was described as the "Manchester of the West" with over 20 woollen cloth producing factories. The Kennet and Avon Canal runs just to the north of the town and both the Wessex Main Line (Bristol–Westbury–Southampton) and the Heart of Wessex Line (Bristol–Westbury–Weymouth) railways.

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