For nearly 200 years, the historic site has watched over Halifax. Opened in 1841 as Halifax General Cemetery, it is the final resting place of almost 20,000 people and holds the stories of many individuals who helped shape the town we know today.
The Grade II-listed cemetery is recognised as a Significant Cemetery in Europe, one of just over 200 such cemeteries, and remains one of Halifax’s most important heritage assets.
Today, the site is cared for by the Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery, believed to be Calderdale’s oldest friends group. Their dedication to preserving the cemetery, which officially closed to interments in 1963, has earned national recognition.
In 2023, the group received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour awarded to volunteer groups across the UK. The award recognised their work to reclaim and preserve the historic cemetery while ensuring it remains accessible to families, historians and researchers around the world.
Established in 1999 by the late Harriet Dell, the Friends have spent more than two decades researching, conserving and promoting the cemetery, protecting what could easily have remained an overgrown and forgotten corner of Halifax.
Their efforts help bring the stories of those buried there to life while maintaining a welcoming space for visitors, local historians and family researchers.
“It’s a privilege to help preserve this important part of Halifax’s history,” said Secretary Ann Wilkinson.
“Every memorial has a story behind it, and we’re passionate about making sure those stories continue to be told.”
Among those buried at Lister Lane are figures who helped shape not only Halifax but institutions that continue to have an impact today.
Jonas Dearnley Taylor, one of the founders of the Halifax Building Society, now part of Lloyds Banking Group, is buried at the cemetery as is Esau Hanson, who is believed to have been the first person to receive a mortgage from the society in 1854.
The cemetery is also the resting place of members of the renowned Crossley family, including John, Joseph and Francis Crossley, whose carpet manufacturing empire helped establish Dean Clough as one of the world’s largest carpet mills.
Other notable residents include Waterloo veterans Daniel Milton and Robert Nutter, Chartists who campaigned for democratic reform and voting rights, First World War casualties, chapel ministers and thousands of ordinary Halifax residents whose lives collectively shaped the town’s history.
While its monuments tell the story of Halifax’s past, Lister Lane is also a thriving green space for wildlife.
Visitors can find an abundance of wildflowers throughout the grounds, alongside herbs such as rosemary and thyme planted by volunteers and commemorative trees marking both Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III.
A dedicated Tree for Peace, a beautiful hawthorn tree, stands proudly within the cemetery. The initiative was introduced by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe to promote the message: “Live in peace to rest in peace.”
“It’s not just a place of history,” said Trustee Stuart Wilkinson.
“People come here to enjoy nature, take photographs, learn about Halifax and simply spend some quiet time outdoors.”
The cemetery’s peaceful setting and unique landscape have also made it a source of inspiration for local creatives. Halifax Thespians regularly use the grounds as an outdoor rehearsal space, while photographers, writers and artists are often drawn to its distinctive character.
Many of the Friends’ activities focus on bringing local history to life. Through guided walks, research projects, publications and open days, volunteers help visitors discover the people behind the names engraved in stone.
“People are often surprised by what they find here,” said Stuart.
“Whether you’re interested in local history, family history or Halifax’s industrial past, there’s always something new to discover.”
The site is currently open to visitors every Wednesday from 10 am until 4 pm.
Chair of the Friends, David Glover, observes that many people with Halifax ancestry are likely to have relatives buried at Lister Lane years ago, and highlights the full database available to search for family names. Feel free to contact The Friends via the website for more details.
For those looking for something a little different, the Friends will host a spooky “Stories After Dark” walk for those aged 16 and over on Friday 30th October, starting at 6.30 pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available via Eventbrite.
The group is always keen to welcome new volunteers, whether they have an interest in local history, genealogy, conservation, gardening or community heritage.
For more information about visiting, volunteering, upcoming events and open days, please visit: www.listerlanecemetery.co.uk.
