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Arbroath, Western Cemetery, Mortuary Chapel

Cemetery (19th Century), Chapel (19th Century)

Site Name Arbroath, Western Cemetery, Mortuary Chapel

Classification Cemetery (19th Century), Chapel (19th Century)

Alternative Name(s) Cemetery Chapel

Canmore ID 126622

Site Number NO64SW 135

NGR NO 62480 41770

Datum OSGB36 - NGR

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/126622

Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
Canmore Disclaimer. © Bluesky International Limited 2025. Public Sector Viewing Terms

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Digital Images

General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel taken from the S.
General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel taken from the S.View from SW.Interior.
General view from W.Interior.
Detail of pilaster.Detail of corbel on S arcade.Detail of corbelled-out column above E entrance.General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel, taken from the WNW.View from E.View of main doorway from E.Interior.
Detail of pilaster.Interior.
View of columns on balcony.Interior.
Detail of columns on balcony.Detail of column capital on S arcade.Detail of corbel on S arcade.Detail of statue in niche on E facade.View from E.View from S.View from SW.View from S.Detail of carved angel on S facade.Detail of statue in niche on SE corner.Detail of turret showing funeral procession.The Mortuary Chapel, ArbroathView of SE turret from W.View from S.Interior.
View of gate and door from burial chamber.Interior.
Detail of corbel in entrance lobby.Interior.
View of balcony at E end.Interior.
View of columns on balcony.Interior.
View of window with wooden freize above.Detail of SW angle turret.Detail of carving on NW turret.General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel, taken from the NW.View of Mortuary Chapel, Arbroath Western cemetery.View from N.View from N.Interior.
View of vault in SW corner.Interior.
Detail of pilaster.Interior.
View of balcony on S wall.Interior.
View of balcony on N wall.Interior.
View of window with wooden freize above.Detail of balcony and sundial on S facade.Detail of balcony and sundial on S facade.Detail of carving of birds and ferns on SW angle turret..Detail of NW angle turret.General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetary, Arbroath, centred on the mortuary chapel, taken from the SE.General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel, taken from the ESE.View of cast iron monument erected 1830 by Andrew Duncan, shipowner and merchant and his wife Margaret Rattray to their daughter Margaret, Arbroath Western Cemetery.Interior.
Detail of corbel in entrance lobby.Interior.
View of columns on balcony at E end.Interior.
View of columns on balcony.Detail of column capital on S arcade.Detail of corbel on S arcade.View of headstone dated 1873 to the Lamb family, Arbroath Western cemetery.Interior.
Detail of corbel in entrance lobby.Interior.
Detail of corbel in entrance lobby.Interior.
View of window with wooden freize above.View of external arcade from S.Detail of carved angel on S facade.View of SE turret from W.Detail of statue in niche on E facade.General oblique aerial view of the Western Cemetery, centred on the mortuary chapel, taken from the ENE.Interior.
View of entrance lobby.Interior.
View of window with wooden freize above.Detail of external parapet walkway and dormers.Detail of external arcade.Detail of statue in niche on SE corner.

Administrative Areas

  • Council Angus
  • Parish Arbroath And St Vigeans
  • Former Region Tayside
  • Former District Angus
  • Former County Angus

Architecture Notes

This building dominates the cemetery in which it stands. Designed by Patrick Allan Fraser as a family tomb, construction began in 1875 and took some nine years to complete. The most striking feature of the building is the lack of convention with regards to architectural style, with each facade treated in an eclectic manner differing from the last which affords the building a real vibrancy, enhanced by the use of local red sandstone, with the various towers and turrets creating an interesting skyline. One cannot fail to be captivated by the beauty of the carvings which adorn the building, the interior of the Chapel being no less impressive. An example of the sheer quality and outstanding workmanship carried out by local craftsmen can be seen in the detail of Christ standing in a richly decorated niche. The frieze on the canopy above depicts a traditional Scottish funeral procession with pall bearers carrying a coffin followed by the mourners. Each of these figures have been afforded the same attention to detail as the sculpture of Christ himself. Recurrent naturalistic motifs, particularly those of animals and foliage are to be found both externally and inside the Chapel. Patrick Allan Fraser passed the building over to Arbroath Town Council and it is currently used for funeral services of every denomination.

Information from RCAHMS Architecture Catalogue Project, 2005.

Site Management (10 June 2008)

Red sandstone barional style mortuary chapel with elaborate carvings.

In 1873 the architect's wife, Elizabeth Allan-Fraser, died, an event which was the catalyst for the building of the Fraser family Mortuary Chapel in Arbroath Cemetery from 1875 onwards. (Dictionary of Scottish Architects).

The building was later gifted to the people of Arbroath as a non-denominational chapel, with maintenance of the structure being the responsibility of the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust.

Activities

Photographic Survey (1970 - 1998)

Photographs of gravestones in Western Cemetery, Arbroath, taken by Mrs Betty Willsher.

References

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