The cemetery was opened in 1917 and covers an area of 45 acres (18 ha) and comprises extensive landscaped lawn graves interspersed with ancient woodland.

[2] A World War I Victoria Cross recipient, Thomas Turrall (1885–1964) is buried here.

[3] Janet Parker, a medical photographer who in 1978 became the last person to die from smallpox, was cremated here in accordance with disease control measures.

[4] The cemetery is very nearly full to capacity and the council generally only allows interments in existing graves.

There are however above ground vaults, which were constructed in 2005, for cremated remains for which leases are available.