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Chepstow Close, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, CV37 9JF

Stratford-on-Avon Cemetery contains 22 First World War burials, made mainly from the hospital at Clopton House. During the Second World War, there was a contingent of the Royal Canadian Air Force based at nearby Wellesbourne Mountford and of the 137 Second World War burials (most of them forming this war graves plot), 97 are of Canadian airmen. The cemetery also contains 14 war graves of other nationalities.

There are graves in this cemetery from both world wars, in particular these graves of Commonwealth air forces including 97 Canadians. The graves pictured here are from World War II.

War Graves section of Stratford Upon Avon Cemetery. A majestic tribute to those lost in war.

Marie Corelli was a flamboyant authoress who spent the later part of her life in Stratford-upon-Avon. She campaigned tirelessly and relentlessly to preserve and restore many of Stratford's buildings at a time when conservation was not fashionable. Locally she was known as something of an eccentric and even imported her own Image], complete with gondolier for use on the River Avon. She had a reputation for speaking her mind, particularly to those in authority, and as can be seen from the gesture of the angel's hand (yes it genuinely is THAT sign!) she remains defiant even in death!

In 1939 Stratford Borough Council set aside land in the cemetery specifically for Service War Burials, which are now within the care of the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. Most of the 177 people buried here were members of Commonwealth Air Forces, particularly Canadians attached to No. 22 Operational Training Unit based at Wellesbourne.

Commonwealth war graves, many of these are of Canadian airmen from World War II. The graves are in Stratford-upon-Avon Cemetery, the cemetery's chapel can be seen in the background.

Memorial board and quiet area in restored part of cemetery 'chapel', near to war graves

The town council website states that the first (and only) municipal cemetery in Stratford was laid out here in 1881 as part of the Victorian concern to improve the urban environment in all its many aspects, particularly as the parish churchyard at Holy Trinity was almost full. The intention was that burial services would continue to be held at Holy Trinity Church and then the cortege would proceed here via Sanctus Street and Evesham Road, at that time the main access route into Stratford from the west.

Lovingly cared for, and well laid out cemetery in Old Town, Stratford. The building is in good repair despite damage from fire. Image]

Late Victorian municipal cemetery chapel.