There are approximately 16,000 memorials within the cemetery, ranging from large Victorian edifices to contemporary memorials. Different types of stone are used in the construction of the memorials. In particular the Victorian memorials, ranging from pinnacles to body slabs all display the hidden Victorian language of mourning. Some of the memorials have been erected by friends and colleagues in recognition of great work or friendship. Many Bedford citizens took part in major military campaigns such as the Battle of Waterloo, the Indian Mutiny, the Crimean War, the Boer War, WW1, WW2, and many smaller military actions that the British and Commonwealth forces were engaged in. Many important citizens of Bedford are represented in the cemetery, including Church Leaders, Missionaries, Mayors, Doctors, Surgeons, and Engineers. After 1945 the cemetery reflected the changes in Bedford society with people being buried from Poland, Russia, Eastern Europe, Italy, the West Indies and further afield.
As well as adding photographs to the gravestone section of our website, we are also working on Find A Grave which is a free website providing access to an online database of cemetery records worldwide. The graves on both of these websites represent only a small proportion of the burials at Foster Hill Road, but we are adding more all the time. Some graves are on this website but not on Find A Grave, and vice versa. You can view the records for Foster Hill Road Cemetery on Find A Grave here: Foster Hill Road Cemetery in Bedford, Bedfordshire – Find a Grave Cemetery
If you have any information about any of the people who are buried in the Cemetery and who you think may be of interest to us, please contact us at info@fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk
