Portsmouth has a wealth of history and strong military connections, so it is not surprising to find a graveyard with so many interesting stories as Highland Road Cemetery. Amongst those interred are decorated servicemen and women from famous battles, as well as associates of Dickens and royalty.
Thomas Ellis Owen sold the land to the Burial Board for the first phase of the cemetery and when the original architect failed to produce plans, he designed his own and built the lodge, chapels and wall. It is thought that the lodge is a smaller version of his home, Dovercourt, and the Anglican chapel is a smaller version of St. Jude’s Church. His only child, Louisa Ann Byng, is buried here, as well as her first husband Reverend Thomas Richard Brownrigg. The only other cemetery designed and built by Ellis Owen is Ann’s Hill Cemetery in Gosport in 1854.
For further information, email cemeteries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone 02392 732559.
History of graves at Highland Road cemetery
Below are some of the graves researched and listed by the Friends of Highland Road Cemetery, who welcome any supportive work, research or publicity about the cemetery.
For genealogical searches, contact the Portsmouth History Centre & Records Office at central library.