SIR – From research I did years ago, my mathematical son and I calculated that by 1800 there were around 75,000 burials in St Peter’s churchyard, now the cathedral. Another interesting fact is the average age at death of those with a memorial was 35. In the vestry at the cathedral is a Victorian picture of the churchyard.
The average age of death in the city was 30, but if you made it to 21 then your average expectancy was 64, not old enough to draw a pension now. We had not learned to live close together in an urban environment, not even the rich.
Undercliffe Cemetery was opened with capital from private shareholders, including Titus Salt. It was not until the 1860s that the council was permitted to open cemeteries on the rates, and 1902 that cremations were permitted by law.
Dale Barton, The Vicarage, Barkerend Road, Bradford
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