For many, cemeteries are both a place of peaceful contemplation and remembrance but also a valued green space found in amongst our urban communities.
Southern Cemetery is the final resting place of some of Manchester’s most famous residents – from a legendary United manager to the first pilot to complete a transatlantic flight. Opened in 1879, It is the largest municipal cemetery in the UK and second largest in Europe. The cemetery also includes several listed buildings.
Here are some of the cemetery’s most notable figures.
5. Jerome Caminada (1844-1914)
Jerome Caminada, born of Irish and Italian descent, was Manchester’s first ever CID superintendent. He is often referred to as Manchester’s Sherlock Holmes thanks to his track record for solving high-profile cases and eccentric policing style, which often involved disguises and network of informants. Some even say that Caminada was a source of inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. | Wikimedia
6. Wilfred Pickles (1904-1978)
Originally from Halifax, West Yorkshire, Wilfred Pickles was a famous broadcaster and, in 1941, became the first BBC presenter to speak in a regional accent, not RP – and it wasn’t because of inclusivity or representation, it was to confuse any Nazi that may have been intercepting transmissions. Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. Frank Johnson (1928-1970)
Boxer Frank Johnson was originally born Frank Williamson, but adopted the new surname in honour of his hero, boxer and civil rights activist Len Johnson (1902-1974), who is also buried at Southern Cemetery. Frank also had the nickname ‘Golden Boy’. (Photo by Monty Fresco/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images
8. John Rylands (1801-1888)
John Rylands was Manchester’s first ever multi-millionaire. He was an entrepreneur and owner of the UK’s largest textile manufacturing concern. He is the namesake of the beautiful John Ryland’s Library (pictured) in Manchester city centre, which was founded by his wife in his memory. Credit: Google Street View | Credit: Google Street View