WHEN death came to Victorian Bradford, you weren't anyone unless you were buried at Undercliffe Cemetery.

Built in the early 1850s, as a result of overcrowding at nearby St Peter's parish graveyard - so full, human bones were protruding from graves - the cemetery reflected the industrial rise of 19th century Bradford, and its social hierarchy.

Today the cemetery, which has 24,000 graves covering 26 acres, remains a significant heritage site, with mausoleums, monuments and tombs of special architectural and historic interest. Regarded as one of the greatest examples of Victorian funerary design, it takes its place among other famous cemeteries, such as Highgate, on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Now, like Highgate, Undercliffe Cemetery has its own 'Friends' group.

The Friends of Undercliffe Cemetery, set up by the charity that manages the site, will meet for the first time next week. The aim is to raise awareness of the cemetery, offer guided tours and provide information on how to trace family members buried there.

"It's full of monuments that tell family history - many Bradfordians will have ancestors buried there but may not know anything about the place," said Allan Hillary, chairman of Undercliffe Cemetery Charity. "There are 124,000 Bradfordians buried in that cemetery. It's Bradford history in stone.

"Until I got involved with looking after the cemetery, I had no idea that both sets of my grandparents are buried there!"

The cemetery was built as a consequence of Bradford's growth as an industrial city. "Churchyards were full so private cemeteries were needed," said Allan. "Some of the large, ornate monuments were for big names in the textile industry. The size and design of your grave depended on your income and social status - in death, as in life, there's a social distinction."

He added: "Victorian cemeteries were built as open spaces, people were encouraged to visit them as they would visit parks. The Victorians described them as 'gardens of sleep'.

"It's a jewel in Bradford's crown. Through the Friends group, we want people to go along and find out more. If people discover they have relatives there, we hope they'll be inclined to help maintain it - we'd love to extend our volunteer group that takes care of the site - and maybe 'adopt' a grave.

"There are 142 war graves there, and soldiers are named on family monuments. As we commemorate the centenary of the First World War, a visit to Undercliffe Cemetery may benefit anyone doing a project or research."

Registrar and co-ordinator of Undercliffe Cemetery Charity, Neil McLellan, said the site needs ‘friends’ and volunteers to help look after the grounds. “We're hoping to expand our team of friends and supporters to help with fundraising, horticultural work, the War Graves project, and even become tour guides," he said. “There's so much to appreciate - we hold exhibitions on wildlife and funerary art.

"Undercliffe is still a working cemetery and Grade 11 star listed by English Heritage. We encourage people to visit and appreciate this place of historical interest and join us in preserving it for generations to come.”

Undercliffe Cemetery is owned by Bradford Council and managed by Undercliffe Cemetery Charity through a trustees board. Several films and TV dramas have been filmed there, including Billy Liar, Band of Gold and Peaky Blinders.

* The Friends of Undercliffe Cemetery meets on Saturday, April 25, then on the last Saturday of each month until September 26, from 10am to 12noon at The Lodge, Undercliffe Cemetery.

For more information call (01274) 642276 or visit undercliffecemetery.co.uk