Oakham Cemetery on Kilburn Road in Oakham Rutland and Commonwealth War Graves

Oakham Cemetery on Kilburn Road in Oakham Rutland and Commonwealth War Graves

Oakham Cemetery: History and Remembrance

At the end of Kilburn Road in Oakham, Rutland, lies Oakham Cemetery. Maintained by Rutland County Council, the cemetery boasts two listed chapels within its grounds. Burials currently take place on the left side, while the right offers a glimpse into the past.

Accessed through the Lodge House gate, now a private residence, recently sold for just under four hundred thousand pounds. The right side of the cemetery holds much older graves. However, interments here haven't entirely ceased. Families who own plots can still request burials in this section, creating a unique blend of history and modern remembrance.

World War I heroes are also honoured at Oakham Cemetery. Thirteen soldiers and one female nurse, all having served in the Great War, found their final resting place here. Seven lie under distinctive Commonwealth War Graves headstones, with one recently installed and two others upgraded to more durable marble. The remaining soldiers are commemorated by family memorials, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

A concerning note is the recent activity by the council contractor using a high-powered strimmer near the headstones. I think it's crucial to ensure proper care is taken around these fragile memorials, preserving their integrity for future generations.