Hallowell Cemetery also known as "The Old Burying Ground" and "Shelbourne Street Cemetery" was one of the first cemeteries in Nelson. (The other being the pioneer cemetery on the Cliffs). The area was believed to hav been used for Maori burials before the settlers came. 2 acres, 2 roods, 30 perches were set aside in ? by the New Zealand Company for the use as a gaol and cemetery. The area was surveyed by W Wright December 1889 and this shows cemetery and gaol reserves. The Maungatapu murderers were buried outside the cemetery in an adjoining section of the ? gaol and a Robert Wilson who was executed 20 Dec 1867 and buried behind the old gaol on the hill. Hallowell Cemetery was unofficially closed in the late 1850's after which the nest of kin of those already buried there could still be buried. An Act of Parliament officially closed the cemetery in 1885. Mrs Mary Crawford was the last burial in 1888 after special Government permission was given.