Blackley Cemetery, Victoria Ave, Blackley, Manchester opened in December 1953 at a cost of £171,000 and is the youngest of Manchester City Council owned Cemeteries.

It was as early as 1901 when it was mentioned that a Cemetery was needed in North Manchester, but the Council not being able to find suitable land the plan was shelved.  Again in 1914 the prospect of acquiring land near Woodlands Road, Cheetham Hill fell through due to the land being ear marked for a housing development. Other mentioned sites were Blackley - Middleton borders and two parts of New Moston boarding Failsworth were picked by the Parks Committee but having difficulties again the idea was shelved as being impracticable.

March 1948 a Compulsory Purchase Order for 98 acres Land, dwelling houses, premises and gardens were submitted to the Minister of Health for the use of a Cemetery, Public Walks and Gardens. 40 acres were to be used as ‘Blackley Cemetery’ and to ultimately build a Crematorium.

The remaining 58 acres are to be known as ‘Blackley Forest.’   Public walks and gardens were to be laid out on the hilly side, South of the River Irk.  1953 the public and local schools were invited by the Parks Committee to come and plant a variety of trees for ‘Arbor Week’. The new forest began in April 1953 when the first oak tree was planted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

There are three entrances to the Cemetery, Victoria Ave, Longhurst Road and Chapel Lane.  Victoria Ave being the main entrance, the road is a steady incline to the hilly Cemetery.

It is the first Manchester Council owned Cemetery to have a Woodland Meadow Area for those who are wishing for the environmentally friendly option and the only Manchester Cemetery to have a Crematorium on its grounds.

Blackley Burials Register Index is searchable for Free via the Manchester Burials Website.