Seaforth Old Burying Ground
A historic 19th-century cemetery in Simon's Town, offering a poignant glimpse into naval history and early colonial life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Seaforth Old Burying Ground
Best Time
Best for visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century cemetery in Simon's Town, offering a poignant glimpse into naval history and early colonial life.
"A real step back in time, rich with stories of sailors and settlers."
🚶♀️ Tread Lightly
This is a historic burial ground. Be respectful of the graves and the solemn atmosphere.
🕰️ Visit During Daylight
For the best experience and to safely navigate the grounds, plan your visit during daylight hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rear Admiral George Dundas Grave
Oldest Grave
The final resting place of the oldest marked grave, dating back to 1814. A true step back in time.
Naval Memorials
Overlooking False Bay
Memorials to sailors lost at sea, including those from HMS Nerbudda and HMS Penguin. A poignant tribute.
Garden of Remembrance
Naval Cemetery Section
Originally the naval cemetery, this area holds significant historical weight and offers a quiet space for reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Tread Lightly
This is a historic burial ground. Be respectful of the graves and the solemn atmosphere.
🕰️ Visit During Daylight
For the best experience and to safely navigate the grounds, plan your visit during daylight hours.
🧐 Look for Details
Many gravestones have fascinating epitaphs detailing lives and maritime tragedies.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some visitors have noted the presence of homeless individuals and past vandalism. Stay aware.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Tread Lightly
This is a historic burial ground. Be respectful of the graves and the solemn atmosphere.
🕰️ Visit During Daylight
For the best experience and to safely navigate the grounds, plan your visit during daylight hours.
🧐 Look for Details
Many gravestones have fascinating epitaphs detailing lives and maritime tragedies.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some visitors have noted the presence of homeless individuals and past vandalism. Stay aware.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seaforth Old Burying Ground offers a poignant step back in time, with historical gravestones and naval memorials providing a unique glimpse into early colonial and maritime history. While the site is freely accessible and rich in stories, visitors should be aware that many stones are broken and the grounds may present challenges due to their age and upkeep.
"The Seaforth burying ground was established in the early 1800s as the Royal Navy moved its headquarters to Simon’s Town. A growing population in the town necessitated the land to be set aside for a graveyard.
The graveyard was originally given to the Anglican community but later was divided up amongst the different denominations due to many being part of the ever growing community. You’ll even find a Muslim section close to the back just below Runciman Drive
It is also home to the garden of remembrance which was originally the naval cemetery.
The oldest grave here is from 1814 and belongs to Rear Admiral George Dundas (1757-1814)
A real step back in time. Completely open to the public at all hours. You will find homeless tend to sleep here and there is a possibility of a criminal element which the historical society has battled with because of vandalism."
Nicolas Lorenzo
"Simon's Town (Seaforth) Old Burying Ground was established in the early 19th century on a slope overlooking False Bay. While part of the cemetery is dedicated to those who once called this sleepy coastal town home, a large portion of the cemetery hosts memorials to sailors who died at sea. It is not in the best condition, but still well worth a visit to social historians, taphophiles and other interested parties.
- Contribution from Morbid Musings, South Africa
Below a selection of some of the epitaphs:
• H.M.S. Nerbudda - H.A. Kerr Commander - 13 Officers - 120 men - Lost 1855 - Last seen standing out of Algoa Bay June 10th 1855 - Terrific gales soon after blew. Not heard of since.
• In loving memory of our well beloved brother Edmund Jacob Chapman age 32 who was accidentally killed at Simonstown June 8th 1897 by a fall from a bicycle. Though full of life, death cometh quickly.
• Sacred to the memory of William Brunton, Boy 1st class of H.M.S. Raleigh who was killed by falling from aloft 19th Feb. 1893 and was buried at sea aged 17 years & 3 months.
• H.M.S. Penguin. Massacred in the boats at Bareda. Near Cape Guardafui. By the Somali Arabs. September 26th 1862. (Editor note: The H.M.S. Penguin sailed the East coast of Africa in an anti-slaving patrol. 16 names are commemorated on the memorial)
• Sacred to the memory of John Charles Frederick Ashmead Perry who died on his passage to England August 23rd 1856 aged 23 years. This monument is erected by a sorrowing sister to the memory of a beloved and only brother. "He is not lost but gone before"
• Sacred to the memory of Russian soldiers, participants of maritime expeditions of the glorious Russian fleet (1809-1865). Far away from the Motherland, at the foot of the African continent, they found their last resting place..."
Morbid Musings
"Unfortunately the gravestones are mainly broken."
Wayne Bisset
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seaforth Old Burying Ground is located in Simon's Town, South Africa. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach this historic site.
It's situated on a slope overlooking False Bay in Simon's Town. While it's an open public space, keeping an eye on local signage or using GPS navigation is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Seaforth Old Burying Ground is completely open to the public at all hours and does not require an entrance fee.
The burying ground is open 24/7, as it is completely open to the public at all hours. However, visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and better visibility.
There is no admission fee to visit the Seaforth Old Burying Ground. It is a public space accessible to everyone.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gravestones, including the oldest grave from 1814 belonging to Rear Admiral George Dundas. There are also memorials to sailors lost at sea and a Garden of Remembrance.
As a historic public space, there are limited facilities. Visitors should be prepared for an outdoor experience without amenities like restrooms or cafes.
The ground is on a slope and has uneven terrain due to the nature of a historic cemetery. Accessibility may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Yes, photography is generally permitted. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
Many of the gravestones are broken and in poor condition, reflecting the age and exposure to the elements.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for interesting epitaphs, the oldest graves, and the naval memorials overlooking False Bay. The weathered stones and inscriptions offer unique photographic opportunities.
While generally allowed, it's important to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography and always consider the solemnity of the location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to set expectations. The cemetery is a solemn place, and some gravestones are in disrepair. Ensure children understand the importance of respectful behavior. Given the uneven terrain and potential for homeless individuals, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours and keep a close eye on younger children.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts & Taphophiles
The diverse denominations represented, including a Muslim section, and the specific memorials to naval tragedies offer unique insights into the social and maritime history of the Cape. The condition of the stones, while unfortunate, also adds to the authentic, aged atmosphere for dedicated taphophiles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Seaforth Old Burying Ground
The oldest marked grave belongs to Rear Admiral George Dundas, who passed away in 1814, offering a tangible connection to the early 19th century. The cemetery also bears witness to the perils of maritime life, with numerous memorials dedicated to sailors who perished at sea. These inscriptions, such as those for HMS Nerbudda and HMS Penguin, tell stories of gales, accidents, and conflicts far from home, making the site a poignant historical record.
Despite its historical importance, the cemetery faces challenges. Visitors have noted that many gravestones are broken and in poor condition, a testament to the passage of time and environmental factors. There have also been concerns regarding vandalism and the presence of homeless individuals seeking shelter, issues that the historical society has actively worked to address. Nevertheless, for social historians, taphophiles, and anyone interested in local history, the Seaforth Old Burying Ground remains a compelling and evocative destination.
Exploring the Epitaphs: Stories Etched in Stone
Personal stories are equally compelling. The inscription for Edmund Jacob Chapman, accidentally killed by a fall from a bicycle in 1897, highlights the unexpected ways lives could be cut short, even with the advent of new technologies. Similarly, the memorial for William Brunton, a young boy buried at sea, speaks to the harsh realities of naval life and the youth of those who served.
Even the inscriptions for Russian soldiers who found their final resting place far from their homeland during maritime expeditions between 1809 and 1865 add a layer of international history to the site. These weathered stones, though often broken, continue to tell their stories, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the lives they represent.
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