Hampstead Cemetery

Hampstead Cemetery is a Victorian burial ground in West Hampstead, north-west London, set beside Fortune Green. It is one of the capital's quieter historic cemeteries: a landscaped, tree-lined site where the monuments tell the story of the neighbourhood's residents from the 1870s onwards.

What is Hampstead Cemetery?

The cemetery was created because the old graveyard at St John-at-Hampstead had run out of space. The Hampstead Burial Board was set up in 1873 and, in February 1874, bought a plot of roughly 20 acres (about 8 hectares) at Fortune Green for £7,000. The grounds were consecrated by the Bishop of London and opened in November 1876. Extra land was added in 1901.

Who designed it?

The buildings and overall design are credited to Charles Bell, an architect born in Lincolnshire who lived from 1846 to 1899. The layout of the paths and the planting are attributed to Joseph Meston. Together they produced the characteristic Victorian cemetery picture: winding avenues, mature trees and monuments set among greenery rather than in rigid rows.

What can you see there?

Over 60,000 people are said to be buried here, among them many artistic and well-known figures drawn to Hampstead over the decades. The cemetery holds a good collection of tombs and memorials dating from the 1870s to the 1930s, and eighteen of them are listed for their architectural or historic interest.

Look out for the many Celtic crosses. They mark the graves of Scottish families who settled in the area and give parts of the cemetery a distinctive look.

Are there war graves?

Yes. The site contains Commonwealth war graves: 217 burials from the First World War and 45 from the Second World War, maintained as part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's care of such sites. Figures differ slightly between sources, so treat the exact numbers as approximate.

Visiting practicalities

The cemetery is managed by Islington and Camden Cemetery Services. It is open seven days a week, but closing times change through the year, so check the current hours before you go, especially in winter when it closes earlier in the day.

It is a working, respectful place rather than a park, so keep voices low, stay on the paths and avoid walking over graves. It suits a calm walk, architecture and history interests, or genealogy research.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hampstead Cemetery? In West Hampstead, London, next to Fortune Green.

When did it open? It was consecrated and opened in November 1876.

Is it open every day? Yes, seven days a week, with seasonal closing times.

Who manages it? Islington and Camden Cemetery Services.

Are there listed monuments? Yes, eighteen tombs and monuments are listed.