Who are the Friends?

Welcome to the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery

Hi everyone!

The Friends of Hartwood Paupers Group is a grassroots community initiative dedicated to removing the shame once associated with mental health and restoring dignity to the 1,255 forgotten souls buried within the hallowed grounds of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, Lanarkshire.

Our mission is to transform the cemetery into a peaceful, welcoming space where people can:

• Reflect on the lives of those once hidden from history

• Walk their dogs

• Explore local heritage

• Enjoy nature, birdsong, and woodland beauty

We believe this historic site is an important local asset – and with your help, we are bringing it back to life.

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Honouring the Past, Together

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our small group began the enormous task of uncovering and remembering the stories of those buried here – many of whom were labelled “pauper lunatics,” placed in Hartwood simply for being different, poor, disabled, or even just single mothers. Through research, clearing work, and sheer determination, we’ve helped return names and dignity to those long-forgotten.

We are especially proud that, thanks to Rhona’s persistence, the cemetery has now been designated a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site, recognising and honouring the service personnel laid to rest here.

We also work closely with Spotlight Shotts and other local and national groups to bring the stories of our 1,255 individuals back to life – restoring their place in our community’s memory.

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A Place of Beauty and Reflection

Hartwood Paupers Cemetery now features:

• 🌿 A wildflower meadow surrounding the boundary

• 🐝 Three active beehives, supporting local biodiversity

• 🚻 A composting toilet to support volunteers and visitors

• 🐾 A natural woodland setting rich with wildlife – please be mindful of badgers, foxes, squirrels, and birds

Please note:

• Japanese knotweed and possible giant hogweed exist on the site’s perimeter – caution is essential

• The site is isolated, so always let us know if you're planning to visit for your own safety

• Please clean up after dogs and avoid disturbing wildlife

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A Hidden History Revealed

Opened in 1875, the cemetery received its final burial in 1952. Roughly the size of a football pitch, the graveyard is split into two areas: one for the so-called “Private Lunatics” and the larger for “Pauper Lunatics.” Over 10 service personnel from both World Wars are buried here – many unrecognised until now due to outdated policies and stigma surrounding mental health, including PTSD (not formally recognised until 1980).

Of the 634 known graves, most contain two individuals – often a child and an adult – buried according to gender. The burial records are clear and maintained in two original leather-bound books held in the Lanarkshire Heritage Centre.

Here rest:

• A Polish princess who died a pauper

• Over 10 military service members

• A local legend named Jock O’Law

• The cemetery’s first nurse

• And Dr Archibald Campbell Clark, Hartwood’s first superintendent

This cemetery is more than a resting place – it’s a living archive of social history, shedding light on lives impacted by poverty, stigma, and silence.

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Join Us

We’d love for you to be part of this ongoing journey. Whether you can spare time to volunteer, contribute research or photographs, or simply spread the word – you’re welcome here.

Our only rules are:

• Everyone is welcome

• You contribute as and when you can

• Let us know before visiting for safety

Every grave here has a story. Every name matters. Together, we’re ensuring that none of them are forgotten again.

Thank you for caring.