Balmoral Cemetery, Belfast facts for kids
Balmoral Cemetery is a special burial ground located in the Malone area of South Belfast, Northern Ireland. It first opened a long time ago, in 1855. It's a peaceful place where people are laid to rest and where visitors can remember those who have passed away.
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The Story of Balmoral Cemetery
Balmoral Cemetery was started in 1855 by two important Presbyterian church leaders. They were Reverend Henry Cooke and Reverend Joseph Mackenzie. They decided to open their own cemetery on land owned by Mackenzie. This happened because they were not allowed to bury someone in another cemetery run by a different church.
The cemetery was managed by a group of trustees. This group included three Presbyterian ministers. Even though many people buried there were Presbyterian, people from other Christian groups were also buried in Balmoral Cemetery.
War Heroes Buried Here
During World War I, many soldiers fought bravely. Three soldiers from that war are buried in Balmoral Cemetery. One was from Britain, one from Australia, and one from Canada. Their graves are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This organization makes sure that the graves of soldiers who died in wars are cared for.
Changes Over Time
In 1953, the cemetery was taken over by Belfast Corporation. This is like the local city council. Today, Balmoral Cemetery is no longer open for new burials. However, it is still open for visitors who wish to walk around and remember the people buried there.
Important People Buried at Balmoral
Many notable people are buried in Balmoral Cemetery. Here are a few:
- Dr. Wilberforce Arnold (1838–1891): He started the Presbyterian Orphan Society, which helped children who had lost their parents.
- William Batt (1840–1910): He was an architect, which means he designed buildings.
- Reverend Henry Cooke (1788–1868): He was one of the Presbyterian ministers who helped start this cemetery.
- Professor John Creery Ferguson (1802–1865): He was a doctor and a professor of medicine at Queen's College, Belfast.
- Josias Leslie Porter (1823–1889): He was a Presbyterian minister, a missionary, and someone who traveled a lot.
- Hugh Hanna (1821–1892): He was a well-known preacher.
- Reverend Joseph Mackenzie (1811–1883): He was the other Presbyterian minister who helped found the cemetery.
- Colonel Hampden Clement Blamire Moody (1821–1869): He was a military leader in the Royal Engineers.
- Isabella Tod (1836–1896): She was an important woman who worked for women's right to vote and was involved in politics.
