New Cemetery

The previous post included a view of Largo Cemetery, north of Upper Largo. Back in the mid-19th century this was referred to as the 'new cemetery'. The original one was the graveyard that surrounds Largo Kirk. In January 1857, a ratepayer wrote to the Fife Herald noting that the Parochial Board had stated that "it is imperitive by a recent Act of Parliament that they should have a new burying ground, the present one being too near the village". This correspondent was complaining about a lack of public consultation on the matter.

The new cemetery opened in 1859 and, according to the Dictionary of Scottish Architects, involved the architect George Birrell  (son of Hugh Birrell a builder architect based in Drumeldrie). A decade later, the 11 February 1869 Fife Herald reported that "previous to securing of a new cemetery here, few parishes were more in want of such a place as Largo. Its locality is everyway well-fitted for sepulchre, and although it has only been opened a few years, numerous monumental stones have been erected within its walls, and the keeping of this "silent city" is admirably gone about".

Again the following year, this time in the Fifeshire Advertiser of 4 June 1870, the 'new' cemetery was praised...

"The new cemetery set apart for the "city of the dead" for this rural parish is well kept, and within these few years, it has assumed a very imposing appearance. Many attractive monuments now stud its surface. The ground is tastefully and substantially enclosed by a wall; and the site being to the north of the village and under the shadow of Largo Law, its seculsion well adapts it for a last resting place for the departed."

​This type of article was repeated over the years in local papers - always referring to how well kept the grounds were. By 1880, it was necessary to plan an extension. Once more, in 1896, the site - still known as the new cemetery - had plans drawn up for enlargement. Moving forward to 1928, and on 26 January, the Courier noted that several draft plans had been submitted to Largo Parish Council by Mr Dewar, architect, Leven, for a significant extension. Work was delayed by 'unfavourable weather' over the 1928/9 winter. In the Spring of 1929, Mr James McIntosh of Windygates agreed to carry out the work. On 5 September 1929, the Parish Council suggested that upon the completion of the extension, and in view of the extra work that the larger site would entail, a full-time cemetery keeper should be appointed rather than the pre-existing part-time arrangement.

The cemetery remains today much as it was in the past, with its quiet and picturesque setting, interesting array of monuments, stone walls and towering monkey puzzle tree. Originally imported from Chile, this prickly coniferous evergreen tree was traditionally used in cemeteries and graveyards as the dark evergreen contrasts with the headstones. The fossilised remains of similar trees was the source of jet which became popular in Victorian times as jewellery as a symbol of mourning.