Dissenters’ Burying Ground at Ponsharden

Archaeology students from the University of Plymouth and lecturer Dr Caradoc Peters, with employees of Falmouth Town Council, dug up the north west corner of Dissenters’ Burying Ground, at Ponsharden.

Passers-by on Falmouth Road might have noticed signs of activity as the group, under coordinator Anthony Fagin, and supervised by Jonathan Orellana, of Cotswold Archaeology, dug three trial trenches.

They established the date, nature and purpose of the mound, which had intrigued both lay and expert visitors to the cemetery.

A spokesperson from Historic England, said: “The Jewish Cemetery has the distinction of being in the hundred most irreplaceable sites of faith and belief in England. We are delighted to work closely with Falmouth Town Council and the Friends of the Ponsharden Cemeteries to conserve both of these important historic sites.”

The dig was undertaken for Falmouth Town Council, owners of the site, and the Friends of the Ponsharden Cemeteries, as phase 1 development of a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to conserve this and the adjoining Jewish Cemetery.

The trial showed that the mound consisted principally of construction spoil, possibly deposited there during the building of the entrance and flight of stairs leading from the old turnpike road up to the Dissenters’ Burying Ground.

It is useful information which will help to inform the planning of a visitors’ access route between the two cemeteries, which will no longer entail walking across graves, as at present.

If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Ponsharden Cemeteries or getting involved in this project and want further information please contact Henrietta Boex, director of cultural services for Falmouth Town Council on 01326 313863, or send an email to director@falmouthartgallery.com.

You can also visit www.historicengland.org.uk