The ground was consecrated on 23 June 1852 by the Bishop of Llandaff with the vicar of Monmouth, the Reverend E. F. Arney.

[1] The first ashes to be interred, in February 1930, were those of Reverend Kean Mottram Pitt, who died aged 70 on the Isle of Wight, and were placed in his parents' grave.

Residents in neighbouring Whitecross Street suffered a high mortality rate as a result and unpleasant odours from the churchyard were also evident[1] Henry Somerset, 7th Duke of Beaufort sold the land to the council for use as the new cemetery.

Because of its proximity to Monmouth workhouse an area of the cemetery, currently used for cremated remains, was designated for use of the paupers.

It is inscribed in Latin with Ave Crux Spes Unica meaning 'Hail, O Cross, Our Only Hope'.