English Cemetery

The English cemetery (situated then outside the city-wall – the ‘Alampanah’) near the Katargam Gate reminds the visitor eloquently of many a famous names in the historical narratives of the English factory at Surat.

The most prominent mausoleums in the English cemetery are that of Oxenden brothers – Christopher Oxenden and Sir George Oxenden. It is made of two cupolas, one of which being superimposed on the other. Christopher died in 1659, and a domed structure with four pinnacles at the comers, was erected over his grave. Christopher’s more famous brother, Sir George Oxenden, the President of the English factory, also died at Surat in 1669, being the victim of an epidemic that ravaged the town. He was deservedly popular among all classes of people by his very high character. As head of the factory and the more distinguished brother, a loftier and more expensive cupola was raised in his honor above the tomb in which his and Christopher’s bones were laid.