Newtown Road Cemetery in Newbury remains closed after grave sinks into underground vault

Newbury’s largest cemetery remains closed after a grave sunk into the ground last weekend (February 22 and 23).

Newtown Road Cemetery is still closed for safety concerns after the grave collapsed into an underground brick vault, capable of taking eight coffins.

And the Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery are helping to find any living relatives of those buried.

The grave belongs to Michael and Sarah Osmond.

Mr Osmond was originally a farmer from Linkenholt, Hampshire. He died in 1868.

The couple’s only daughter died before them in 1861 and is buried in the grave behind.

A historian in Linkenholt has been contacted for further information about the family.

The vault, visible from the road, has been cordoned off until repairs can be made.

If no relatives come forward, it could become the site of a sculpture for visitors to lay flowers.

Suggestions have also been heard to install a plaque or a pane of glass for visitors to see and understand what a 19th century vaults look like.

The Friends told newburytoday the brickwork shows the entrance, which would be opened each time a new coffin was added and then rebuilt afterwards.

A meeting is planned to discuss how to safely reopen the cemetery.

Contact mirek.gosney@newburynews.co.uk if you have any information regarding the Osmond family.