Now, thanks to a fascinating leaflet compiled by local historian David Harrison, visitors to the cemetery can discover more about the history of the site and follow a trail showing where these three and others are buried.

William Wilson Allen was awarded the Victoria Cross after courageously rescuing patients from the blazing hospital at Rorke's Drift in the teeth of the Zulu attack. Nine of the 139 defenders had served in the Monmouth Militia.

The third Bishop of Monmouth, Dr Alfred Edwin Monahan was well known for his eloquent sermons and for his interest in the welfare of the poor and distressed. More than 100 surpliced clergy attended his simple but impressive funeral.

Mary Ellen Bagnall-Oakeley was a keen Antiquarian, an excellent watercolourist, a firm but peaceful supporter of women's suffrage and one of four women governors of the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls when the school opened in 1897. A house at HMSG is named after her.

David's leaflet has been produced on behalf of the Friends of Monmouth Cemetery whose aim is to draw up conservation and restoration plans to make the cemetery accessible to local people and the wider public. The leaflet is available soon.

David Harrison is pictured at the grave of William Llanwarne, a razor grinder of Cinderhill, Overmonnow, who was the first person to be buried at the new ground.