Whispers of history and artistry linger here in Dean Cemetery. This Victorian cemetery is north of Dean Village. It is west of Edinburgh city centre. Established in 1846 Dean Cemetery became a fashionable burial ground. It primarily served the middle and upper classes.
Dean Cemetery tells many tales. It shows Scottish achievements in peace and war. These achievements occurred both at home and abroad. The monuments provide a rich source of Edinburgh and Victorian history. David Cousin designed Dean Cemetery. He also laid out Warriston Cemetery.
As plots filled quickly Dean Cemetery expanded. In 1871 it grew on its north side. A second set of entrance gates mirrored the original. Gaps in the wall linked the extension to the original section.
A detached section north of Ravelston Terrace was purchased in 1877. The area was previously Edgehill Nursery. This section was expected to sell quickly. However it wasn’t used until 1909. An exception was John Ritchie Findlay. He was buried there in 1898. This section is plainer. It features a line of Scottish judges. They stand against the north wall.
Dean Cemetery is privately owned. The Dean Cemetery Trust Limited runs it. This makes it one of the few cemeteries run as intended. The layout and mature landscape showcase its original design. The southern access from Belford Road is now blocked. The entrance road is grassed over. It is used for ash interments.
Dean Cemetery contains sculptures by notable artists. These include Sir John Steell and William Brodie. Also included are John Hutchison and Francis John Williamson. Pilkington Jackson and Amelia Robertson Hill also contributed. William Birnie Rhind and John Rhind are featured. As well as John Stevenson Rhind and William Grant Stevenson. Henry Snell Gamley and Charles McBride are represented. Plus George Frampton Walter Hubert Paton and Stewart McGlashan.
Dean Cemetery stands on the site of Dean House. Dean House was built in 1614. It was part of Dean Estate. Sir William Nisbet purchased the estate in 1609. He became Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1616. The Nisbets of Dean were Hereditary Poulterers to the King. Alexander Nisbet wrote his Systems of Heraldry in Dean House. The house was demolished in 1845. Sculptured stones were incorporated into the south retaining wall. This hidden section also contains graves. John Swinton Lord Swinton died in Dean House in 1799. Sir John Stuart Hepburn Forbes was born there in 1804.
Many notable people are interred in Dean Cemetery. These include Lord Adam. He was a Senator of the College of Justice. Sir James Ormiston Affleck physician and author also rests here. Sir William Allan the artist is interred here too. Thomas Annandale was a medical pioneer and surgeon. Joseph Bell inspired the character of Sherlock Holmes. Isabella Bird was a traveller writer and photographer. Sir Thomas Bouch designed the original Tay Rail Bridge.
Dean Cemetery also holds war graves. Thirty-nine Commonwealth service personnel are buried here. Twenty-nine are from World War I. Ten are from World War II. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains these graves. Major-General Sir John Munro Sym is the oldest soldier buried here. He died in 1919 at age 80.
Dean Cemetery is a place of tranquility. It is a testament to Edinburgh’s past. It is a garden filled with stories. Here lie artists surgeons lords and innovators. They shaped Scotland and the world. The cemetery offers a peaceful glimpse into history.