A FRIENDS group is set to buy a 200-year-old Bradford cemetery to preserve its history.

The Chapel Street Cemetery in Eccleshill will celebrate its 200th anniversary with an open day and commemoration service at 2pm this Sunday.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery cares for the historic cemetery in Eccleshill.The Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery cares for the historic cemetery in Eccleshill. (Image: Newsquest)

A charity, the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery, is now set to buy the cemetery after a successful fundraising campaign.

The foundation stone for the Salem Chapel, on Chapel Street, Eccleshill, was laid in 1823, opening the church and cemetery.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Philip Thackray, chairman of the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery.Philip Thackray, chairman of the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery. (Image: Newsquest)

The chapel has long since been demolished and relocated within the village, and in more recent years the cemetery become overgrown, prompting a group of volunteers to begin clearing it up.

However, when the United Reformed Church announced the historical cemetery and church would be put up for sale in June 2021, it sparked an outcry and an appeal to save the cemetery was launched.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Volunteers carry out work in the Chapel Street Cemetery.Volunteers carry out work in the Chapel Street Cemetery. (Image: Newsquest)

The volunteers, with the help of Community Action Bradford and District (CABAD), set up a charity called the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery.

Ilene Watson, trustee of the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery, said the group set up a JustGiving page and started a fundraising campaign to buy the cemetery.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The grave of the first person interred at Chapel Street Cemetery, John Blamires.The grave of the first person interred at Chapel Street Cemetery, John Blamires. (Image: Newsquest)

“We’re purchasing the cemetery for a nominal figure but we needed to raise £5,000 to pay the legal costs.”

The Friends group, which meets every Tuesday and Saturday morning to do much-needed gardening work, is restoring the cemetery to its former glory.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Chapel Street Cemetery in Eccleshill.The Chapel Street Cemetery in Eccleshill. (Image: Newsquest)

“This is our pride and joy,” said Ilene Watson. “We’ve made a right success of it.

“We’ve altered it a lot by clearing overgrown areas and tidying it up. With the benches we’ve put in, it’s now a nice place to sit on a sunny day."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The overgrown Chapel Street Cemetery before volunteers started clearing work.The overgrown Chapel Street Cemetery before volunteers started clearing work. (Image: Newsquest)

Philip Thackray, chairman of the Friends of Chapel Street Cemetery, added: "It's a place where people can relax. A lot of local people like to come and sit here."

Ilene, who has great-grandparents buried in the cemetery, also discussed the importance of retaining the history of the cemetery.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The historical Chapel Street Cemetery in Eccleshill.The historical Chapel Street Cemetery in Eccleshill. (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s part of Eccleshill’s heritage. There are mill owners and the original architect amongst those buried here, as well as the first man interred, John Blamires.”

The Friends group has been busy preparing for Sunday’s open day on Sunday, which will include a visit by special guest, the Rev Jamie Kissack, moderator of the Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church.

"We're celebrating 200 years of history," said Ilene. "We're very thankful to all who have donated."

Lincoln Oakley, voluntary organisation support officer for CABAD, said: "What a pleasure it's been to work with a group of people who have resurrected a disbanded cemetery to bring it back to beautification. They've turned it into a lovely place.

“This area has a very prominent history."