[2] It was opened on 16 November 1856 as a replacement for the graveyard surrounding St Michael the Archangel – Lyme Regis' parish church – which had long suffered from erosion due to its close proximity to the sea.

Initially, the principal place of burial was in the churchyard of St Michael the Archangel, Lyme Regis' parish church.

[5] A vestry meeting held on 2 August 1855 then determined to purchase three acres of the selected site.

[7] The cemetery was laid out in 1856, after builder John Jerrard of Lyme Regis was given the contract for constructing the walls and two mortuary chapels in January 1856.

[10] The cemetery allows anyone regardless of connection to Lyme Regis to be buried, however non-residents pay higher fees.