“Have you heard of Nicholson Cemetery?” I ask. This Christian cemetery is located in Kashmere Gate Delhi India. It’s not just any graveyard. It’s a place steeped in history and whispers of the past.
Nicholson Cemetery was established in 1857. Before it was known as Nicholson Cemetery, it was called the Old Delhi Military Cemetery. It was also known as the Kashmere Gate Cemetery. Later, it was renamed after Brigadier-General John Nicholson. He was a key figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The cemetery is owned by St James’ Church. This church is Delhi’s oldest Christian place of worship. Together with St Stephen’s hostel and Victorian-era houses, it was a central part of the Christian community in Delhi.
Let’s step back in time to understand this place better. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny. Sepoys of the East India Company’s army rose up in Meerut. The rebellion spread quickly. It engulfed the Gangetic plain and central India.
John Nicholson played a vital role during the Siege of Delhi. This was a decisive conflict. Nicholson commanded the main storming party on September 14 1857. Sadly, he was shot in the chest. He died of his wounds on September 23. He was only 35.
The high number of casualties led to a greater need for a Christian cemetery. Nicholson was among the first buried here. A white marble slab from the Red Fort marks his tomb.
The inscription reads “The grave of Brigadier General John Nicholson who led the assault of Delhi but fell in the hour of victory mortally wounded and died 23rd September 1857 aged 35.”
Nicholson Cemetery is also known for some spooky stories. According to the Indian Paranormal Society, John Nicholson’s headless ghost haunts this place. Others say European ghosts roam here.
Take a walk with me. Notice the tombstones. Some are cracked and worn. Many names have faded with time. Some graves are marked only with “Deo Notus.” This means “known only to God.” These graves reflect the violence of war and invasions. Many lost their lives here.
The British High Commission in India renovated Nicholson Cemetery in 2006. They hired G4S to provide security.
Notable people buried here include Camille Bulcke and John Nicholson. Also Everard Lisle-Phillipps and Philip Salkeld rest here.
As you wander through Nicholson Cemetery, remember its layers of history. Think about the soldiers, officers, and families buried here. Consider the weight of the past. This is more than a cemetery. It is a testament to a turbulent time. It’s a place where echoes of history linger.