Burial Ground, Chaine Park, Glenarm Road, Larne, Co Antrim

This is a private burial ground located within Chaine Park, on the Glenarm Road in Larne, County Antrim. The site dates from around 1880 to 1899 and occupies the location of an ancient fort, designated a historic monument (SMR: ANT35:19). It is of local interest due to its association with James Chaine, a significant benefactor of the town in the 19th century, who is commemorated by a listed beacon tower nearby (HB06/08/001).

The burial ground is enclosed by high wrought iron railings, set upon low walls constructed of snecked basalt with chamfered granite copings. At intervals, taller posts are present, featuring ball and spike finials and curling wrought iron brackets attached to short return walls. A concrete pad skirts the exterior of the wall. A single entrance, facing north-west, is provided by a pair of gates mirroring the railing design, with scrolling finials, a granite step, and a metal plaque identifying the burial ground as belonging to James Chaine, his family, and heirs. Piers of ashlar granite, with moulded cornices to weathered capstones, mark the north and south ends of the seaward side.

Within the enclosure, four burial plots are arranged in three rows, partially obscured by an earthen bank associated with the underlying fort. These plots are delineated by plain, polished plinth walls of pink granite and feature matching headstones. The inscriptions, from left to right, back row, read: “James Chaine, died 4th May 1885, and Henrietta Chaine, died 21st December 1913”; and “William Chaine, died 3rd May 1937”; middle row: “James Chaine, died 22nd November 1910; Christina Chaine died 7th September 1911”; and front row: “Rachel Halley Chaine-Nickson OBE, died 8th December 1972, dearly beloved wife of Augustus Chaine-Nickson OBE, also the said Augustus Chaine-Nickson OBE, died 10th February 1974, both of Balrath, Co Meath”.

The park itself was donated to the town by James Chaine or his family, with the fort retained as a private burial ground. James Chaine, who died in 1885, played a crucial role in improving the harbour at Larne, contributing to the formation of the Larne and Stranraer Steamboat Company in 1871. It is reported that Chaine was buried in an upright position, facing out to sea. The burial ground is situated on the edge of a steep precipice overlooking the sea, and is visible from the wider park and from a promenade below.