Ryde Cemetery contains more than 20,000 graves and vaults with the first burial taking place on the 30 October 1842. The prosperity of many of the local trades-people and businessmen can be seen from the considerable number of imposing and elaborate stone memorials that exist. Some of the wealthiest families purchased sufficient space for the construction of vaults where several members of the family could be buried together. Each year one section of the graveyard is left to nature and becomes overgrown allowing insects to thrive and give it a neglected look. Parking is on street, although a nearby school might offer substantial parking by negotiation. The site also has it's a mortuary complete with a stone slab.