BarleybrookFilm Title.

Undercliffe

In 2003 the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Allan Hillary, spoke with film maker David Weber
about the possibility of a film to help raise the profile of Undercliffe cemetery.This Barleybrook Films production is the result of that initial idea.

Undercliffe Cemetery.

 

The film tells the story of this magnificent Victorian necropolis, now considered to be one of the most striking achievements of Victorian funerary design.


The film covers:

The founding of the cemetery in 1854 by a group of nonconformist wool moguls.
The heyday of the cemetery, during which time it became
”The” place to be buried.
The grand mausoleums and tombs, some of which are now of special architectural and historic interest.
The lives of some of the thousands of Bradfordians who lie within Undercliffe. From boot makers to comedians, architects to paupers, many of the latter buried in mass graves.
The decline of Undercliffe into eventual liquidation and the subsequent scandalous selling of the cemetery by the liquidators for £5.00.


Photograph of Undercliffe semetery.

The near destruction and loss of Undercliffe at the hands of a Bradford builder.


The rescue of Undercliffe by Bradford Council and their subsequent partial renovation with the Manpower Services Commission of the cemetery.
The setting up of the Undercliffe Cemetery Charity and its continuing work.
In conclusion the film poses the question as to who will ultimately look after the cemetery and ensure a safe and secure future for the site.