Bell Gable - Kirk Braddan Cemetery Chapel - Braddan, Isle of Man - Bell Towers on Waymarking.com

At the heart of the Kirk Braddan Cemetery is a small cemetery chapel in the classic Manx style with a simple Bell Gable above the main entrance.

The cemetery was opened as the Churchyard 'was very overcrowded and far too many were being buried in the same grave.' This was the case even following the opening of a grave yard at St George’s in Douglas, from the late 18th century, as the growth of Douglas outpaced any possible expansion of Old Braddan Yard.

With the passing of the Braddan Burial Ground Act 1848 the Vicar and Wardens were allowed to buy from the Trustees of the Impropriate Fund 4 acres of Bellafletcher, at the cost of £400 for a new burial ground. The opening of the New Yard ws 'approved at a stormy Vestry meeting on Easter Monday, 24th April 1848 during which Drury's patience was widely noted. The 4 acres were bought in October 1848, and it was planned to build a little chapel there. (Compare with information from the Isle of Man notebook below.

The Kirk Braddan Cemetery also known as the 'New Braddan Yard' 'consecrated by Bishop Auckland, assisted by Archdeacon Moore, on 11th June 1849, and in 185 trees were planted around it.'

"The cemetery chapel is in classic Manx style; designed by Thomas Jefferson and opened 1843. The view is from just east of the area for' poor Christians and Catholics, south of the central pathway,' as described by Brown." (visit link)

It seems unlikely that the cemetery chapel was opened in 1843 as the land on which it situated was only purchased in October 1848.

A notable feature of the chapel is the east-end window, which depicts the 'Tree of Life', and is to a design by Ballie Scott. The glass is painted rather than stained in order to come within financial limit.
(visit link)

Source: 'A history of the Manx Church: 1698-1911'by Canon John Gelling (ISBN: 0-952-4019-4-0)

The cemetry'was extended in 1898 and 1938, and is now the largest in the Isle of Man; it is still managed by the churchwardens under the Burials Act 1986. The "Arts and Crafts" designer Archibald Knox is buried there.

Address of Tower: Kirk Braddan Cemetery Chapel Braddan Road Braddan, Isle of Man Still Operational: yes Number of bells in tower?: 1 Rate tower: Tours or visits allowed in tower?: No Relevant website?: Not listed

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