Background In medieval times intramural interment was the rule although outdoor graveyards gradually became more common. In 1666 the
Naval Holmen Cemetery was moved from its original location at
Holmen Church to a site outside the
Eastern City Gate as the first burial facility to be located outside the city. An outbreak of
plague in 1711 which killed an estimated 23,000 citizens put the existing burial sites under so much pressure that up to five coffins were sometimes buried on top of each other. This led to the establishment of five new cemeteries on the periphery of the city, but just inside the city walls, while the military
Garrison Cemetery was relocated to a site next to that of Holmen Cemetery.
Establishment of the new cemetery In the 1750s the situation deteriorated even further and in a letter of 2 May 1757 the City Council proposed to the Chancellery that a large new cemetery be built for the city's parishes outside the city walls. After some negotiations it was decided to place it outside the
Northern City Gate and on 26 May 1757 the new facility was founded by Royal charter. The new cemetery was inaugurated on 6 November 1760. It was enclosed by a wall built by
Philip de Lange. ==Assistens Cemetery today==