FROM a boy who was killed by a nerve agent to a murderer who later killed himself, these are just some of many gripping stories which a local historian has taken upon himself to prevent from being forgotten.

St Woolos Cemetery, in Newport, was opened in 1854 and is the oldest public cemetery in Britain.

And in that time, more than 600,000 people from all walks of life have been buried there.

"The stories of those buried in St Woolos Cemetery are absolutely fascinating," said Richard Frame, who lives in Baneswell, Newport.

South Wales Argus: Henry (Harry) Mills' graveHenry (Harry) Mills' grave  Henry (Harry) Mills was one of those to have been buried in the cemetery.

In 1943, the 12-year-old was kicking a canister in Maesglas and, unbeknown to him, was subjected to a nerve agent. He later died at hospital.

And then there was the notorious Philip Manship, who in a horrifying rage shot his wife in the 1880s and later committed suicide.

Mr Frame said that these are just two of countless stories of those who have been laid to rest in St Woolos Cemetery.

South Wales Argus: Richard Frame in St Woolos CemeteryRichard Frame in St Woolos Cemetery

The 65-year-old has now decided to create the Friends of St Woolos Cemetery group, in a bid to protect the cemetery and its history for all future generations.

“For the last 30 years I have wanted to do the group," he said.

“But I have been in various other societies so I have not had chance.

“The aim of the group would be to assist the council in its role in looking after the cemetery, such as clearing up graves. We would also look to arrange tours of the site, where people will be taught the stories of those buried there."

He added: “Every grave has a story."

A spokeswoman from Newport City Council said the authority welcomed the suggestion to establish the group, saying: “We hope that the establishment of a friends group will assist with raising the profile of Newport’s cemeteries as important public sites which will improve access to grant funding for the conservation and enhancement of the historic sites and structures.”

Mr Frame will be launching the group on Tuesday at The Cwtsh, on Stow Hill, from 7pm. Everyone is invited to attend.