Seaforth Old Burying Ground

"The Seaforth burying ground was established in the early 1800s as the Royal Navy moved its headquarters to Simon’s Town. A growing population in the town necessitated the land to be set aside for a graveyard.

The graveyard was originally given to the Anglican community but later was divided up amongst the different denominations due to many being part of the ever growing community. You’ll even find a Muslim section close to the back just below Runciman Drive

It is also home to the garden of remembrance which was originally the naval cemetery.

The oldest grave here is from 1814 and belongs to Rear Admiral George Dundas (1757-1814)

A real step back in time. Completely open to the public at all hours. You will find homeless tend to sleep here and there is a possibility of a criminal element which the historical society has battled with because of vandalism."

Nicolas Lorenzo

"Simon's Town (Seaforth) Old Burying Ground was established in the early 19th century on a slope overlooking False Bay. While part of the cemetery is dedicated to those who once called this sleepy coastal town home, a large portion of the cemetery hosts memorials to sailors who died at sea. It is not in the best condition, but still well worth a visit to social historians, taphophiles and other interested parties.

- Contribution from Morbid Musings, South Africa

Below a selection of some of the epitaphs:

• H.M.S. Nerbudda - H.A. Kerr Commander - 13 Officers - 120 men - Lost 1855 - Last seen standing out of Algoa Bay June 10th 1855 - Terrific gales soon after blew. Not heard of since.

• In loving memory of our well beloved brother Edmund Jacob Chapman age 32 who was accidentally killed at Simonstown June 8th 1897 by a fall from a bicycle. Though full of life, death cometh quickly.

• Sacred to the memory of William Brunton, Boy 1st class of H.M.S. Raleigh who was killed by falling from aloft 19th Feb. 1893 and was buried at sea aged 17 years & 3 months.

• H.M.S. Penguin. Massacred in the boats at Bareda. Near Cape Guardafui. By the Somali Arabs. September 26th 1862. (Editor note: The H.M.S. Penguin sailed the East coast of Africa in an anti-slaving patrol. 16 names are commemorated on the memorial)

• Sacred to the memory of John Charles Frederick Ashmead Perry who died on his passage to England August 23rd 1856 aged 23 years. This monument is erected by a sorrowing sister to the memory of a beloved and only brother. "He is not lost but gone before"

• Sacred to the memory of Russian soldiers, participants of maritime expeditions of the glorious Russian fleet (1809-1865). Far away from the Motherland, at the foot of the African continent, they found their last resting place..."

Morbid Musings

"Unfortunately the gravestones are mainly broken."

Wayne Bisset