St James Cemetery, situated just on the outskirts of Liverpool City Centre, is what I would call a 'little green jewel in the heart of Liverpool. I have known about this cemetery for years, and, as a child, this cemetery was more akin to the secret garden I never had.
This was my 'play' area as a child, as - apart from the obvious gravestones, there was so much to discover within the grounds of this cemetery. There is something about this cemetery that sets it apart from every other.
There is a definite 'otherworldly' and ethereal' feel to it, which many people who have been there have felt. It is a beautiful cemetery, stunning actually, and can contain, all four seasons within one day. One minute it could be raining, then the next minute - sun, then snow.
Whatever the weather, St James Cemetery seems to 'enhance' the atmosphere even more. The atmosphere within this cemetery is quite palpable, and can be felt as soon as you enter the grounds.
This cemetery used to be an old quarry. soon enough though, the quarry was turned into a cemetery in which many famous people can be found buried there. The last burial to take place within this cemetery was around the 1930s, now, it is a place where people go to think, contemplate and relax.
Obviously, they are people who where alive during the Victorian period, not least, an Irish woman named Catherine {'Kitty] Wilkinson. Catherine Wilkinson's gravestone can be found within the grounds of the cemetery.
An image of 'Kitty' Wilkinson can also be found on one of the magnificent stained glass windows of the Anglican Cathedral [within the 'Ladies Chapel'].
Catherine Wilkinson was famous for being the very first person to introduce 'wash houses' within Liverpool. Her life was full of poverty yet she gave her all to alleviate the suffering of the poor.
Another famous person buried within the grounds of this cemetery is William Huskinson {1770-1830] - who was a British Statesman and Member of Parliament.
His death was a violent one in that he was crushed to death by the very first steam locomotive [George Stevenson's 'Rocket'].
Apparently, the spirit of Huskinson can still be seen from time to time, dressed in top hat and tails, and hobbling toward his burial place where many have said he disappears through it.
What is unusual about this cemetery is that it seems to have an unending fresh supply of spring water. This spring - which was discovered in 1773 - was thought to be the cause for multiple cures for illnesses.
The spring - which is still running to this day - remains ice cold and very drinkable. The cemetery itself is full of trees, fauna, and different songbirds that visit from time to time.
One can be mistaken for being somewhere completely different, when visiting St James Cemetery. Many people have stated that they find it hard to believe they are within a 'city centre' such is the peacefulness and quietude of St James.
People really are taken away to another world entirely. Overall, if a cemetery could be described as 'stunning' this would be it. it is a wonderful place, and really does help calm the nerves and relieve stress after shopping at Liverpool City Centre.
The backdrop to this cemetery is the imposing, and magnificent Liverpool, Anglican Cathedral which overshadows the whole cemetery with its presence. This Gothic cathedral is, the biggest in the United Kingdom and the 5th biggest in Europe.
One can take two elevators to the top of this cathedral and walk around on the roof. Upon looking down, the viewer is presented with St James Cemetery in all its glory - a green jewel within the heart of Liverpool. On a good day, one can also see, from the roof of the cathedral, Blackpool Tower.
Whatever the weather, taking a walk through St James Cemetery puts one back in touch with nature and even their own mortality. Within this place, one cannot help but contemplate on the fragility of life and what life is all about...as well as death.
This is especially so with so many children of varied ages buried within the grounds of this cemetery, as well as many babies. The majority of deaths was caused by the cholera, which had a devastating affect during the 19th century as there was no cure.
Overall, St James Cemetery is a place which you must visit if you are in Liverpool. There are so many things to discover about this cemetery that it really does become like a 'secret garden'.
One more thing to note is the fact that within this cemetery there have been many strange sightings of 'little people' such as faeries, and such like. Also, sightings of spirits and UFOs are regularly reported within that area. read more