SOME BACKGROUND

Although there are many cemeteries dotted around the Spanish territory that are commonly known as “British”, “English”, “American”, “Protestant”, “Anglican”, “non-Catholic”, “Episcopalian” or simply St. George’s, etc. ., their names can, sometimes, be deceptive.

While it is true that some, although by no means all, are really “British”, others belong to different nations such as the United States, Germany or Sweden, among others. Of the British cemeteries that still remain today, some are owned by HMG, as is the case of the cemeteries that are now under the auspices of the British Cemeteries Foundation in Spain. In the case of others, the land had been purchased by British companies established in Spain, or by members of the British community in the area. In other cases, as happened in Bilbao, the original site was donated by local authorities.

Of the British cemeteries owned by HMG, although title deeds may be in the name of the British government, as with many other community institutions, it was felt that the cemeteries should be supported by the community itself. Therefore, thanks to the interest, support and contributions of the relatives of some of those buried in our cemeteries, as well as volunteers, we can still boast several British cemeteries in Spain.

Unfortunately, as a result of the lack of local British community in some areas, others of our cemeteries have been donated to local authorities to be looked after, or have been closed or simply disappeared.