Basingstoke in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Holy Ghost Cemetery
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 21, 2026
1. Holy Ghost Cemetery Marker
1. Headstone Path
In the 1950-60s headstones from around the chapels were removed and laid as a path. As you follow the path, read some of the names of the deceased and look out for carvings of skulls, a classic symbol of death.
2. Headless effigy
The gown and long sleeves worn by this civilian man show that he is probably an Alderman of the Guild of the Holy Ghost. The headless figure dates from the 17th Century.
3. School masters
Just like the board of head teachers at your school, this stone plaque names some of the Masters of the Holy Ghost School, dating back to 1639. The school building was built around the foundation of the Chapel of the Holy Ghost tower part of which can still be seen today.
4. Ruins of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity
Built as a private burial place for the Sandys family in 1524, the ruins now hint at what was once a richly decorated chapel with large Flemish stained glass windows.
5. Tomb effigy of Sir William de Brayboeuf
Sir William de Brayboeuf was Lord of the Manor of Eastrop. His wealth and importance are shown on his effigy by the long surcoat over chain mail, shield and hand
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6. Memorial to Robert Cottle
Who was the man behind this simple monument? None other than Robert Cottle, who helped bring the post office to Basingstoke He was also a stationer, painter and bookbinder and served five terms as Mayor.
7. 16th Century tomb slabs
If you look carefully, you will see heraldic symbols on the tomb slabs reserved for the Sandy family. Most prominent is the halved Tudor rose with sun rays coming out. The ragged cross (Sandys' emblem) and the winged goat (part of the family's coat of arms) are less obvious.
8. Carved stonework
Look along the wall and you will gain a some of the richly carved decoration the chapel once displayed. Spot the molded bases and octagonal pedestals that would have supported important religious statues.
9. Views to Basingstoke
Today's views are very different to what you would have seen. After the Chapel of the Holy Ghost was built and the burial ground consecrated, the unimpeded views
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 21, 2026
2. Chapel Ruins
10. The Bray badge
At the top of the tower you will find the symbol of a hemp bray, a tool used by weavers to crush hemp. The bray was also an important symbol that showed Sandys' connection to Sir Reginald Bray, principal minister to Henry VII for 18 years.
11. Winged goat
Look up to find a weathered symbol of a winged goat, which form part of the Sandys' coat of arms. Further around the tower you spot the initials MS and WS for William Sandys and his wife Marjorie (Bray).
12. Holy Trinity Tower
Inside the tower try to locate where the staircase led up so the roof loft. Fireplaces also indicate that there may also have been a few small rooms used by the Guild.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 51° 16.166′ N, 1° 5.434′ W. Marker is in Basingstoke, England, in Hampshire. It is on Chapel Hill, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located
Photographed by Photochrom Co. Ltd., London and Tunbridge Wells, circa 1900
3. Holy Ghost Church Ruins
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to the Holy Ghost Cemetery (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Welcome to the Holy Ghost Cemetery (about 120 meters away); The Basing Trail (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Methodist Church (approx. half a kilometer away); Remembrance Garden (approx. half a kilometer away); D Day Landings (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); John Curwen (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Calleva Atrebatum - A Roman Town (approx. 9.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Basingstoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on September 15, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
