Historical cemetery shortlisted for national recognition

A historical Surrey cemetery where thousands of people are buried has been shortlisted for national recognition.

Horton Cemetery in Epsom have been nominated for Everyday History Heroes for their work to uncover the stories of the patients buried at one of "Britain's largest forgotten asylums".

Findmypast has teamed up with Heritage Open Days and historian David Olusoga to launch a public vote to crown Britain's Everyday History Heroes.

Olusoga said that Horton Cemetery was a remarkable example of everyday history.

Olusoga added: "More than 9,000 people who died as patients in Epsom's psychiatric hospitals were buried there, many in unmarked graves, and for decades their stories were largely forgotten."

Olusoga said that The Friends of Horton Cemetery had been researching the lives of those buried there and "restoring dignity and remembrance to thousands of people who were too often overlooked in their own lifetimes".

Everyday History Heroes recognises organisations, volunteers and heritage sites working to uncover the stories of everyday people from the past who shaped the nation.

The five-acre cemetery, which held burials from 1899 to 1955, was surrounded by a cluster five of institutions, known as the Horton Estate.

Olusoga, who starred in The Celebrity Traitors, said: "What makes the project so powerful is that it reveals the human stories behind the records.

"By uncovering these lives and challenging historic stigma around mental illness, the volunteers are helping families and communities reconnect with an important part of Surrey's heritage."

The Friends of Horton Cemetery believes it is one of the largest abandoned hospital cemeteries in Europe.

It has been shortlisted alongside Brixton Windmill & Education Centre in London and the Royal Victoria Chapel in Netley, Hampshire.

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