Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery

10/04/2026

Unfortunately, our store building was broken into again today. This was a deliberate act - whoever it was went to some effort, breaking the additional security we had recently installed after the last break in and forcing the door.

The police have been informed again and we will be pursuing fully. This is a disgraceful act of malicious vandalism in a peaceful place of rest and those responsible will be held accountable.

If you were in or around the Cemetery between 2pm and 5pm today and saw or heard anything suspicious, please let us know. Thank you.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

04/04/2026

We’re sad to report that our store shed was broken into sometime over the last few days. Nothing was taken, but whoever was responsible left a mess inside and caused damage to the door, meaning trustees had to spend yesterday afternoon making it secure again.

The incident has been reported to the police. If any visitors to the cemetery or our neighbours on Harlestones Road and Wilkin Walk saw or heard anything over the past few days/nights, please let us know. We would also be grateful if people could keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Thank you!

03/04/2026

The Draped Cross is a Christian resurrection symbol commonly associated with Easter. The cloth wrapped loosely around the cross represents the shroud or burial garments found in the tomb after Jesus rose from the dead. Some other names for it are: The Deposition Cross, the Resurrection Cross, the Shrouded Cross, the Empty Cross, and the Risen Cross.

The symbol serves as a reminder to the bereaved that death isn't the end.

Crosses are common in burial grounds, but unless they depict a draped cloth they are not resurrection crosses. This example seen on a headstone in the Dissenters' Cemetery also shows a five pointed star, another symbol thought to represent the five holy wounds of Christ.

20/03/2026

A recent set of photos from around the cemetery - with life, colour and detail emerging beautifully in the sunshine.

19/03/2026

A beautiful view of the cemetery’s main pathway, framed by our monkey puzzle trees in the warm spring sunshine.

Photo by Ian Johnston.

19/02/2026

Voting is once again open for the Movement for Good Awards run by the Benefact Group.

Please take a moment by following the link below to nominate Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery and help us win £1000!

Thank you for your support!

We could receive a £1,000 donation with your help through the Movement for Good Draw.

17/02/2026

A recent article about the Dissenters' Cemetery in Cambridgeshire Live. Link below.

The cemetery was founded in 1845 and rectors were banned from it for nearly 100 years.

13/01/2026

Has anyone lost a key fob? Found in the Cemetery earlier. Message us if yours..

07/11/2025

In this week of remembrance we’ve placed temporary markers on the war graves within the cemetery, to help visitors identify and honour those who served and gave their lives during the two World Wars. Do take a look if you’re passing.

The cemetery contains three Commonwealth War Graves, along with Non-Commemorative and Family graves bearing inscriptions to loved ones who died are buried in war graves overseas. You can download the information displayed on the gate here:https://cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/wargraves.pdf

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

21/09/2025

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Heritage Open Day yesterday. We had a wonderful time meeting so many lovely people and sharing the history and stories of some of those laid to rest here. Visitors came from near and far, some with family connections, others travelling specially to be with us. We hope you all enjoyed visiting as much as we enjoyed welcoming you.

Our special thanks go to Cottenham Village Society for joining us for the day, and to local artist Rob Ellis for kindly displaying his beautiful painting.

Finally, we are grateful to all the trustees, volunteers, and our supporters whose hard work made the day possible. Thank you all!

16/09/2025

This year marks 180 years since Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery was established by the Nonconformist churches. Formally opened on 12 June 1845, it has long served as a place of rest and remembrance for the local community, with around 4,000 individuals recorded in its register.

Join us on Saturday 20th September, 10.30am - 4.30pm, and explore its origins and rich history. Discover the life stories of some of those laid to rest here, learn about the war graves, uncover the meanings behind Victorian grave symbols, and see our historic funeral bier on display. Cottenham Village Society will also be with us for the day.

More info - www.cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/heritageday

07/09/2025

Delighted to be sharing this beautiful watercolour of the Dissenters' Cemetery, painted recently by Cottenham artist Rob Ellis.

We’re also hoping to have the painting on display at our forthcoming Heritage Open Days event on Saturday, 20th September. More info - cottenhamcemetery.co.uk/heritageday

Many thanks again to Rob for kindly allowing us to share this wonderful piece. Visit - instagram.com/rob_in_cottenham to see more of his art.