(Registered Charity number: 1085981)
Hooper Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3NA
This rare survival of a landscaped Victorian Asylum Cemetery is located in a stunningly beautiful setting, abundant with wildflowers, butterflies and birdsong. An exhibition in our chapel tells the story of the hospital and its patients in words and pictures.
Opened in 1874 as the burial ground of the Somerset and Bath Pauper Lunatic Asylum (later known as the Wells Mental hospital, and from 1948, the Mendip Hospital), this cemetery became the final resting place for just under 3000 patients and staff from this historic institution, the last interment taking place in 1962.
The cemetery grounds are now maintained by volunteers as a beautiful and peaceful living memorial to all those buried here, the majority of whom lie in now unmarked graves. Fortunately we have copies of the burial records so know their names, age, place of origin, and can point to the approximate area of the cemetery where each burial took place.
Many patients were sent via Somerset’s seventeen district workhouses and most of their admission records and case notes have survived; these, combined with searches of census returns and parish records, are enabling our volunteers to build a picture of their lives and condition. However humble their origin, they all have a valuable story to tell.
What was life really like in the Victorian Asylum? You may be surprised to find out!
Opening Times
We are open every Sunday and Wednesday from April until the end of September, 11am until 3.45pm. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the cemetery and the chapel. Admission is free but we would be grateful if you could leave us a donation toward the ongoing care of this special place.
Group Visits
Whether U3A, WI, Local History and Civic Societies, Colleges, Art Clubs, Wildlife groups and more; all are welcome to book a private group visit to Mendip Hospital Cemetery. This can be arranged for any day of the week by contacting us at enquiries@mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk
Access
The cemetery is built on sloping ground. Easy level wheelchair access into the chapel from the entrance gates and plenty of seating around the site.