THE cemetery and chapel of the former Mendip Hospital in Wells have been recognised for their special historic interest.
Built for the Somerset and Bath County Asylum in the 1870s, the cemetery has been designated a Grade II registered park and garden by Historic England, and the mortuary chapel has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Cemeteries specifically established for asylums are a somewhat rare find.
Mendip Hospital is one of just four Victorian asylums in south-west England to have its own cemetery, only two of which also include a mortuary chapel.
The Mendip Hospital cemetery is largely intact and demonstrates a high level of care in providing a dignified place of memorial for the asylum’s patients and staff.
Clare Blackmore vice-chair of the Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery, said: "It is wonderful that this unique, beautiful, and historic three-acre site with its mortuary chapel has been recognised by Historic England.
“The site is the last resting place of nearly 3,000 souls from the Somerset and Bath County Pauper Asylum, Wells Mental Hospital and Mendip Hospital who, after tragic and troubled lives, now rest in peace in this wonderful place.
Historic England will help us to ensure we can preserve the past, present and future with the respect they deserve."
Simon Wardle, South West Listing team leader at Historic England, said: “Mendip Hospital Cemetery is nationally important as a rare and essentially intact example of a detached asylum cemetery, inspired by a profound commitment to give patients and staff a dignified final resting place.
“We are pleased that both the cemetery and chapel are now included on the National Heritage List for England.”
Diana Hebditch, chairman of Somerset Gardens Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted to have assisted the Friends of Mendip Hospital with funding for the study that led to a successful listing.
“It gives this important garden the recognition and protection it deserves.
“We are always keen to hear from individuals and organisations who know of such landscaped treasures in Somerset that need the support and protection for which our Trust was founded.”
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