Cementerio Inglés

In 1828, a quiet patch of land in Montevideo transformed into the Cementerio Inglés. It began as a final resting place primarily for British subjects. The land itself held a poignant history. It was the site of the Battle of Cardal in 1807, where British soldiers fell during the British invasions of the River Plate. Their comrades buried them there, marking the land’s solemn destiny. The Cementerio Inglés, also known as the Cementerio Británico, wasn’t always in its current location. Originally, it lay near the city center, on land once known as the “Cementerio de los Ingleses.” This original site is now occupied by the Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo. The move to Buceo, near the Cementerio del Buceo, happened in 1885. The relocation was prompted by a yellow fever outbreak and the city’s expansion. Interestingly, the Cementerio Inglés’s early history reveals its role as a haven for those outside the Catholic faith. In a time of religious intolerance, it became known as the “Cementerio de los Protestantes” or “Cementerio de los Disidentes,” accepting individuals of various nationalities and beliefs. The Cementerio Inglés stands as a testament to Uruguay’s diverse history. It has witnessed the evolution of the city and the ebb and flow of its international influences. The cemetery holds the remains of notable figures like Samuel Fisher Lafone, a key player in Uruguay’s salted meat industry, and Thomas Tomkinson, the first foreigner involved in the country’s railway development. Beyond these prominent figures, the Cementerio Inglés houses stories of soldiers, sailors, and airmen of various nationalities. Some served in armed forces, others on merchant ships like the Royston Grange and the Achilles, forever linked to the Battle of the River Plate. Within its peaceful grounds, the Cementerio Inglés offers a glimpse into the past, reminding us of the lives lived and the indelible mark they left on Uruguay.