Chingford Mount Cemetery

Chingford Mount Cemetery is a non-denominational burial ground in north-east London, in the Chingford Mount area of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. For some visitors it is a quiet green corner with Victorian roots; for others it is a stop linked to one of Britain's most notorious criminal families.

What is Chingford Mount Cemetery?

The cemetery accepts burials regardless of faith. It opened in May 1884 and covers roughly 41.5 acres, a little over 16 hectares. It was laid out on the grounds of a former house called Caroline Mount, which also gave part of its name to the neighbourhood. It was established as a sister site to Abney Park Cemetery in north London, which had opened much earlier.

Who is buried here?

The best-known grave is the Kray family plot. The twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray, gangsters who dominated part of London's East End in the 1960s, are buried here. Their brother Charlie, their parents and Gary Kray lie in the same plot. Frances Shea, Reggie's first wife, was buried here in June 1967. In 1969 her mother petitioned the Home Office to have the body exhumed and moved to a separate grave, one of the documented family disputes. The twins' mother, Violet Kray, was buried here in August 1982.

Another notable name is Benjamin Pollock, founder of Pollock's Toy Museum in London, which is associated with the tradition of toy theatres.

War graves

The cemetery contains Commonwealth war graves for service personnel from both world wars. Published figures differ slightly, but the total runs to several hundred burials from the First and Second World Wars. For anyone interested in military history, it is another reason for a quiet walk.

How has the cemetery changed?

In the 1970s the company that managed the cemetery collapsed. A plan to redevelop the land for housing followed, but local objections blocked it. Today the cemetery is run by Waltham Forest council. The episode shows that the site means more to the local community than just a plot of land.

Getting there and what to expect

The cemetery lies in Chingford Mount, in north-east London, within the borough of Waltham Forest, at roughly 51.6222 N, 0.0125 W. It is a working public cemetery, so the usual etiquette applies: keep voices low, respect mourners and be careful when taking photographs. Check current opening hours on the Waltham Forest council website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Kray twins buried at Chingford Mount Cemetery? Yes. Ronnie and Reggie Kray lie in the family plot with their brother Charlie, their parents and other relatives.

Is it a religious cemetery? No. It is non-denominational and open to people of any faith or none.

When did the cemetery open? In May 1884, on the grounds of the former Caroline Mount house.

Who manages it today? Waltham Forest council, after the private company that ran it collapsed in the 1970s.

Is it worth visiting? If you are interested in London history beyond the main sights, Victorian cemeteries and the cultural traces of the East End, it is an interesting stop. Remember, though, that it is a place of rest rather than a tourist attraction in the usual sense.