The cemetery opened in 1855; local architect Thomas Jobson Jackson designed the cemetery and the buildings, these are of the Gothic Revival style. The Gatehouse provided accommodation for the Registrar and until the 1970's housed the Town Mortuary. The whole complex is currently used by the Bedford Community Arts. Two chapels were erected and following the opening of the crematorium in 1955, one chapel was dedicated to all faiths and the other houses the book of remembrance. The 37 acre site is owned by Bedford Borough Council and due to the cemetery being a Grade II Listed, the council encouraged the formation of the Friends group.