Bell Rock Cemetery, Malden, Massachusetts

Bell Rock Cemetery in Malden is also known as the Old Burial Ground, and apparently according to Find A Grave, "Sandy Bank Cemetery," originally, for which there is a Wikipedia page. According to Wikipedia it was placed on the U.S. Register of National Historic Places in 1981. Also of note, apparently the headstones and their engravings have been well documented and are searchable in the Malden Public Library. For those familiar with the layout of Malden Massachusetts its location would likely be surprising, several blocks away from what is currently "Malden Center," on the side of a hill in a relatively low lying area. The neighborhood today is comprised of dense residential approaching the Malden River and flanked by the MBTA train tracks and some industrial zones.



The first meeting house of Malden was located near the cemetery, on Bell Rock hill, formerly called Bailey's Hill. The oldest headstone in the graveyard is said to date to 1670. 

Pleasantly this cemetery is accessible to the public with open gates, and overall the headstones seem to be in remarkable condition. Inevitably many are wearing out, and some are broken, but in the midst of an urban area I'm surprised by the condition. I suppose the lot is surrounded by dense residential, busy offices, and trafficked streets. Perhaps it would be a challenge for vandals to escape mischief unchecked. 


Also of note, this burial ground is substantially large when compared to many of the other cemeteries I've documented of that same era, this may be evident from the photos.




People use the cemetery these days as a park. As I was visiting there were a couple people lounging about in the spring sun. At least one person may have been partaking in some herbal remedies in the park.  It certainly seems like pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.





Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links

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