Charlottetown in Queens County, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

The Old Protestant Burying Ground

To restore, remember and reflect

Old Protestant Burying Ground Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

1. Old Protestant Burying Ground Marker

Inscription.
This location became a common burying ground in 1784. There may have been an earlier site closer to the waterfront, but its location has been lost. In an early survey of Charlottetown, there was a large commons, and this site was part of it. In 1826, the Burying Ground was granted to St Paul's Anglican Church. Soon other cemeteries were established by the Roman Catholic and St. Peter's Anglican Churches. All other denominations continued to use this Burying Ground until its closure on December 31st, 1873, when Sherwood Cemetery opened.

The earliest stone surviving is that of Isabel Bell, who died in 1789. That marker is made of hard black stone and remains in good condition. It is located at C7. The last burial is that of Richard Nankivell who died December 29th, 1873. A portion of his white marble stone remains at B23.

No early records of the Burying Ground exist, but there are two surveys conducted in the mid 20th century. Approximately 425 stones remain, down from about 650 stones in the earlier surveys.

A number of restorations have been instituted over the years. The Burying Ground was restored to its present condition

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as a Millennium Project beginning in 1999. Many public-spirited firms, individuals and most importantly, the descendants of those interred have contributed time, money and materials to make the restoration possible.

[photo caption]
• The above photo was taken c1910. See if you can locate the present location.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1784.

Location. 46° 14.399′ N, 63° 7.851′ W. Marker is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Queens County. It is at the intersection of University Avenue and Douglas Street, on the right when traveling north on University Avenue. The marker is located just inside the wrought iron fence along University Avenue, on the west side of the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 University Avenue, Charlottetown PE C1A 4M1, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Coastal P. E. I.

It is also in the Maritimes

and in Atlantic Canada.

Globally, it

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

2. Old Protestant Burying Ground Marker

Looking east from University Avenue across the cemetery.

is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

and Acadia.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Protestant Burying Ground / L'ancien cimetière protestant (here, next to this marker); Fairholm (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Charlottetown City Hall (approx. half a kilometer away); Big Donald (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Charlottetown (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Canadian National Hotels (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); The Prince Edward Island Memorial Fountain / Fontaine Commémorative de l'Île-du-Prince-Èdouard (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Prince Edward Island War Memorial (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottetown.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Old Protestant Burying Ground

Also see . . .
1. Old Protestant Burying Ground.

Excerpt: Also called Charlotte Parish Cemetery, the Old
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

3. Isabella Bell Headstone
Located about 70 meters east of the historical marker.
Here lies the body of Isabella, wife of George Bell Major 21st Grenadiers. She departed this life, 11-Aug 1789; aged 24 years.
Protestant Burying Ground is a large, well maintained cemetery located on one of Charlottetown's busiest streets - University Avenue. A number of Charlottetown's earliest inhabitants were interred there and it has become a valuable source of information for historians and genealogists. Dating from 1784, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in Charlottetown. It ceased to be used in the 1870s and became neglected until a restoration project was launched in 1999.

(Submitted on April 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Isabella Bell (1765-1789) (Find A Grave). (Submitted on April 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Richard Nankivell Headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

4. Richard Nankivell Headstone

Located about 50 meters east of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.