Local List of Heritage Assets, 2022 Update

Cemetery Chapels, Northampton Road, Market Harborough

Ref: MH/007

Construction Date: 1877

Architect: Mumford & Townsend

Original Use: Cemetery Chapels

Current Use: Cemetery Chapels

Condition: Good

Occupancy: Occupied

Ward: Market Harborough - Welland

Reason for Inclusion

Historic Interest

The Church of England and non-conformist chapels of the municipal cemetery. The cemetery was laid out to accommodate the needs of the town as it expanded in the 19th Century. The Burial Board was established in 1875 and purchased 4 acres of land for a cemetery. Two foundation stones were laid on 23 May 1877 – one by Rev. Stocks, Vicar of Market Harborough, and one by Rev. Hale, Wesleyan Minister.

The site represents the expanded role of local government in the late 19th century as rapid industrial expansion left historic infrastructure unable to cope.

Architectural Interest

The designed layout of the cemetery contains a central pathway leading to the pair of chapels in the centre of the site in a circular island.

The Board selected the designs of Peterborough-based architects Mumford and Townsend. Walter Lindley of Leicester was awarded the tender for the construction of the chapels, which were originally due to be built in stone. Lindley was unable to source sufficient stone to complete the work by the November 1877 deadline so it was agreed that they would be built in brick with stone bands.

Associative interest

Forms a group with the associated surviving lodge and designed landscape of the cemetery (see entries MH/006 and MH/008).