Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium

Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium is a cemetery and crematorium in north London, in the borough of Barnet. It sits on Holders Hill Road, between Mill Hill East tube station and the Great North Way. It is a quiet, green site where the history of the city meets the stories of many of the communities that settled in it.

How did Hendon Cemetery come about?

The cemetery was developed by the Abney Park Cemetery Company Ltd, the firm behind another well-known Victorian London burial ground. It opened at the turn of the twentieth century: Barnet council gives 1899, while the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records 1901. The crematorium was added in 1922. The local council bought the site in 1956, and after the 1963 reorganisation of London local government it passed to the London Borough of Barnet, which still runs it.

What makes this place distinctive?

The grounds include dedicated sections for several religious and national communities. There are Muslim, Greek Orthodox and Japanese sections, the last linked to the Japanese community living in London. This reflects how varied the north-western edge of the capital is. The London Gardens Trust describes the site as having a rural feel, with a stream running through it.

War graves

A Commonwealth War Graves Commission plot lies within the cemetery. It holds the graves of 69 Commonwealth service personnel from the First World War and 156 from the Second World War. CWGC headstones share a uniform, plain design, so they stand out easily among other monuments. Descendants of the fallen and people interested in military history visit the plot.

Notable burials

Barnet council's guide names two Victoria Cross recipients among those buried here: Dudley Stagpoole (VC, DCM) and Isaac Lodge (VC). The Victoria Cross is the highest British decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy, so their graves draw military history enthusiasts.

Getting there and visiting

The closest station is Mill Hill East, the terminus of a short branch of the Northern line. It is a few minutes on foot, and the entrance is on Holders Hill Road. This is a working cemetery and crematorium, so visitors should keep quiet and show respect to mourners. Take photos discreetly and keep away from ceremonies in progress.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium? In north London, in the borough of Barnet, on Holders Hill Road near Mill Hill East tube station.

When did the cemetery open? Sources give 1899 or 1901. The crematorium was added in 1922.

Who runs it? The London Borough of Barnet.

Are there war graves? Yes, the cemetery has Commonwealth War Graves Commission plots with graves from both world wars.

Are there sections for different faiths? Yes: Muslim, Greek Orthodox and Japanese.