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Trafalgar Cemetery: A Peaceful Historical Landmark

Explore a tranquil cemetery in Gibraltar with graves of British sailors and yellow fever victims, offering a poignant history lesson.

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Trafalgar Cemetery in Gibraltar, originally known as Southport Ditch Cemetery, offers a poignant glimpse into the past. Consecrated in 1798, it predates the Battle of Trafalgar, though it's named in commemoration of it. Despite its name, only two casualties from that famous naval engagement are buried here, with the majority of interments being victims of other sea battles and yellow fever epidemics.

A brief summary to Trafalgar Cemetery

  • 4JMW+WW9, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

Local tips

  • Visit during midday for the best natural light for photography.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones for a deeper understanding of their stories.
  • Respect the solemnity of the site and keep noise to a minimum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Trafalgar Cemetery is located just outside the city walls. From Casemates Square, walk south along Main Street. Turn left onto Trafalgar Road, and the cemetery will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the area around Trafalgar Cemetery. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route from your location. Alight at a stop near the Referendum Gates and walk a short distance south along Trafalgar Road to reach the cemetery.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the Gibraltar International Airport to Trafalgar Cemetery will cost approximately £10-£15 and take around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Trafalgar Cemetery

Trafalgar Cemetery, a triangular parcel of land in Gibraltar, serves as a serene memorial to the naval history of the region. Originally known as Southport Ditch Cemetery, it was consecrated in 1798, predating the Battle of Trafalgar by seven years. The cemetery's location, just south of the city walls in what was once a defensive ditch, adds to its historical significance. Despite being named in commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar, only two individuals who died from wounds sustained in that battle are buried here: Lieutenant William Forster of HMS Colossus and Lieutenant Thomas Norman of HMS Mars. Most of the other interments are those who died in other sea battles or casualties of the yellow fever epidemics that swept through Gibraltar between 1804 and 1814. The cemetery also contains gravestones moved from St. Jago's Cemetery and Alameda Gardens. Abandoned for many years, the cemetery was restored in the 1980s. In 1992, a memorial to the Battle of Trafalgar was erected, and an annual commemorative ceremony is held on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the battle. Today, visitors can explore the well-maintained grounds, read the inscriptions on the gravestones, and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who are buried here. The cemetery also features diverse tree species, including Gibraltar's only Sweet Chestnut.

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