British Cemetary in Las Palmas

The creation of the British Cemetery goes back to 1835 and followed the death Sarah Walter, a non-Catholic who died in 1829 and was buried 'outside the city walls.'

In 1834 the land was given by the Corporation of the City of Las Palmas and was followed by other subscriptions. The first burial took place on the 4th December, 1835.

In 1875 there was a dispute as to whether an American lady could be burried in the British Cemetery. As the space was limited it was felt that buriel was resistricted to British nationals. The British Foreign Secretary intervened and the lady was duly buried.

In the last hundred years it has been the final resting place for many from other nations and other faiths.

If you visit the cemetery you will find men and women of all ages;people conected with the port, sailors, clergy, missionaries, doctors. It bears witness to the importance of Las Palmas as a port, and a place where those going to Africa and more importantly, those coming out could find the possibilty of recovery before proceeding with their journey. Sadly for some it was their journeys end and their mortal remains, rest not outside the city, but in a busy residential quarter of the beautiful city of Las Palmas.

In 2009 the cemetery was in great need of renovation, and work started in October.

The work and maintenance of the cemetery is financed by the Chaplaincy Council.

Donations are always welcome for this work.

Fr Peter Ford, OGS
Calle Montevideo 2-7, 35007, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel & Fax (+34) 928 267 202