As the school summer holidays commence, the town of Abingdon undergoes a change. The Spring Road Cemetery also underwent a seasonal change with the long grass being cut.
It had become a wildflower meadow with butterflies and bees.
The cemetery has two Gothic-style chapels, built in 1860. One chapel is available for funeral services (of up to 30 people). The other serves as a chapel of rest for Edward Carter Funeral Directors.
Spring Road Cemetery stands as an A-Z of some of Abingdon’s past residents, ranging from everyday citizens to prominent figures.
Among the legible graves is that of Vera Olive Alder, who passed away at the age of 23. She lies with her parents, Alice and George Alder, formerly of Ock Street, Abingdon. The 1911 census records George as an auctioneer’s porter, while Alice managed the household. Vera was two years old at the time of that census.
Another figure is William Bowler, who died in 1870 at the age of 50. He was known for running a building business in the town employing 6 men and 2 boys in the 1861 census.
One particularly impressive monument is dedicated to John Creemer Clarke (1821 –1895), a former local MP, town benefactor, and owner of a clothing factory that provided employment for many Abingdon residents.
P.S. The first grave has a cross representing Jesus. The letters IHC or IHS on the last two graves are both an abbreviation of Jesus’ name in Greek.
