Ilford (Buckingham Road) Cemetery

Ilford (Buckingham Road) Cemetery is a Victorian municipal cemetery in east London, in the borough of Redbridge. It was formerly also known as Great Ilford Cemetery. Today it is a quiet place of local historical importance, especially for anyone interested in the story of Ilford or in Commonwealth war graves.

How did the cemetery come about?

The cemetery was laid out by the Ilford Burial Board, established in 1880. It was created as an extension of the older burial ground of St Mary the Virgin church in Great Ilford, which could no longer meet the needs of a growing town. The first burial took place on 4 September 1881. Ilford was then expanding quickly as a suburb of London, and the cemetery became the final resting place of many of its residents.

Since 1965 Ilford has belonged to the London Borough of Redbridge, which now looks after the site. The cemetery is protected as a conservation area, and its recorded purpose is religious and funerary use.

What can you see here?

War graves. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the cemetery holds 53 graves from the First World War and 29 from the Second World War. A Cross of Sacrifice, the standard CWGC marker, stands near the entrance. A screen wall carries the names of servicemen whose graves have no headstones.

The Sir Peter Griggs memorial. Near the Buckingham Road entrance stands the monument to Sir Peter Griggs, the first MP for Ilford, who died in 1920. It is topped by an angel and is one of the cemetery's most recognisable features.

Victorian heritage. The cemetery once had its own Victorian chapel, but after neglect and vandalism it was removed. Today the period character survives mainly in the layout of the paths, older headstones and the surrounding greenery.

Who is it for?

• Local history enthusiasts keen to learn about Ilford and its people.
• Family historians following genealogical leads in London records.
• Visitors paying respects at the war graves.
• Photographers and walkers looking for quiet, little-visited corners of London.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? The cemetery is open to the public. For opening hours or any charges, check Redbridge Council's announcements.

Where exactly is it? In Ilford, east London, on Buckingham Road next to St Mary's church. The coordinates are roughly 51.561 N, 0.089 E.

Is it the same as Great Ilford Cemetery? Yes, Great Ilford Cemetery is the earlier name of this site.

Are there war graves here? Yes. The CWGC records 53 graves from 1914-1918 and 29 from 1939-1945.

Does the chapel still stand? No. The Victorian chapel was removed after years of neglect and vandalism.

How should I behave in the cemetery? It is a place of remembrance. Keep quiet, respect the graves and avoid photographing people visiting their loved ones.

Practical tips

Allow about an hour. Start at the Buckingham Road entrance, where the Cross of Sacrifice and the Griggs memorial stand, then follow the wall bearing the names of the fallen. From central London you can reach Ilford by public transport and then walk to the site. Wear comfortable shoes, and remember that paths can be slippery in wet weather. The visit combines well with a look at neighbouring St Mary's church and the centre of Ilford, which helps put this part of London in its historical context.