Flaybrick Cemetery Conservation Area

Flaybrick Cemetery Conservation Area was designated in1990. Flaybrick Cemetery, now known as Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, is situated in the North West of Birkenhead on the Wirral Peninsula. It links the suburb of Claughton to the open spaces and woodland of Bidston Hill. The cemetery is no longer used for burials or the interment of ashes (it ceased use as an active cemetery in 1975), except for burials within existing family plots.

The cemetery was officially opened 30th May 1864 and named Birkenhead Cemetery. Three Chaples were provided. The Roman Catholic Chapel was demolished in 1971 and a Memorial Wall erected on its site. The two other Chapels for the Non-conformists and the Church of England were last used in 1975. The Registrar's office and Sexton's Lodge are now in private hands.

Mature specimen trees are prominent features of Flaybrick. Cut leaf Beech, Silver Pendent Lime, Caucasian Lime, London Plane and Monkey Puzzle to name just a few made a good starting point for the development of an Arboretum. New species are added every year ranging from Ornamental Cherries to Giant Redwoods. A Sorbus Avenue has been created and new shrub areas introduced.

Many stunning examples of Victorian memorial architecture can be seen on the Crosses, Statues, Angels and large Vaults. Inscriptions can give fascinating insights on the people buried there or at times relate to incidents, disasters and accidents both locally and from around the world.

The Conservation Area Guidance leaflet explains what a Conservation Area is and how the designation or extension of one affects those who live there. The aim is to provide general guidance and advice on the type of works that normally require planning permission as a result of designation.