English Cemetery, Surat, Gujarat.

The English cemetery which is situated outside the city-wall (which was known as 'Alampanah') near the Katargam Gate in Surat reminds the visitor eloquently of many a famous name in the historical narratives of the English factory at Surat who were the significant persons in the political history of the city. 

As per the "Revised List of Tombs and Monuments of Historical or Archaeological Interest in Bombay and other Parts of the Presidency" published in 1912 there were about 19 tombs in the English cemetery during that time, many of which are still existing. In addition to these, there is many simpler structures, and inscription slabs-over the graves of less important persons.

The most imposing mausoleum in the English cemetery is that erected over the graves of those 'most brotherly of brothers' Christopher Oxenden and Sir George Oxenden. A grand structure, near the mausoleum of the Oxendens, which strangely enough, has no original inscription in it, is generally supposed to be that of Gerald Aungier, President of the English factory at Surat. He was also Governor of Bombay. There are other less historical tombs in this cemetery, some of which display the armorial bearings of the families to which the deceased persons belonged. Among the less important tombs are those of Henry Gary (1658); Bartholomew Harris, President (1694); James Hope, 'Chief for the William Andrew Price, Chief for the affairs of the British Nation and Governor of the Moghul Castle and Fleet of Suraf (1774).

Picture Credit: Parth Vaghela