In the old churchyard of Bavel, at the present Kerkstraat 1, the medieval St. Brigida Church stood until 1888. The location tells centuries of history: since 1488 Bavel celebrated faith and life here. After the demolition of the church, a chapel and an enclosure were built with the freed-up stones – now national monuments. Diagonally across from the old cemetery, St. Mary’s Assumption Church was consecrated in 1887. Since then the inhabitants of Bavel celebrate the pivotal moments of their lives there.
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The cemetery was officially closed in 2011, but remains of great value as a historic center of Bavel. On the graves you can read the story of the village: names of inhabitants recall lives from the last two centuries. Among them are also some 16th- and 17th-century tombstones and family graves of Breda notables, including Dr. L.F.W. van Cooth, founder of the Crafts School in Breda and namesake of the Van Coothplein.
Please note that the graves of the family graves of Breda notables are also to be found on the site.
The old cemetery is on its way from a closed cemetery to a park-like resting place. Many improvements have already been made: the fencing has been repaired, the gate is lit, century-old tombstones have been restored, and benches and an information board have been installed. You can light a candle there in the chapel. On the side, the classic fencing has been extended. So plenty of reasons to visit this special place.
Go exploring
Volunteers will be happy to tell you more about the history of this site and help find graves.