Lambeth Cemetery

Lambeth Cemetery is a Victorian burial ground in Tooting, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Although it lies in Wandsworth, it is owned by Lambeth Council, as one of the council's three cemeteries alongside West Norwood Cemetery and Streatham Cemetery. For many visitors it is a quiet corner of south London history, with brick buildings and monuments from several eras.

How did the cemetery begin?

The Lambeth parish burial board founded the cemetery in 1854. Churchyards across the parish were running out of space, and the Metropolitan Burial Act of 1852 had pushed burials away from the crowded centre of the city. The new burial ground opened in June 1854 on Blackshaw Road. It was extended in 1874, and by 1889 more than 109,000 burials had taken place here, which shows how great the demand was.

What is there to see?

Beside the main gate on Blackshaw Road stand two lodges and a memorial chapel. They were built in brick in the Gothic style and designed by F. K. Wehnert and J. Ashdown. The paths follow a grid layout, and the site sits just east of the River Wandle. A crematorium and garden of remembrance are also part of the grounds.

Who is buried here?

The best-known burial is Dan Leno, whose real name was George Galvin (died 1903), a celebrated Victorian music hall performer. Another notable monument marks the horseman Thomas Allen (died 1898) and features a riderless horse. A black marble and slate monument to the Smith family, dating from 1932, also draws attention.

War graves

The cemetery contains Commonwealth war graves. The CWGC records 221 burials from the First World War and 145 from the Second World War. A screen wall memorial in the south-west corner names those whose graves have no headstones.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lambeth Cemetery?

In Tooting, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. The main gate is on Blackshaw Road.

Is it still in use?

Yes. Lambeth Council says spaces are available for new burials, in traditional or casket spaces, and natural burial plots are also offered.

Who owns the cemetery?

Lambeth Council, even though the site lies in Wandsworth. The council also runs West Norwood and Streatham cemeteries.

Can I see war graves here?

Yes. There are Commonwealth service graves from both world wars, and a screen wall memorial in the south-west corner names those without headstones.

Is it a good place for a walk?

It is first of all a working cemetery, so quiet and respect are expected. Visitors interested in London history, Victorian architecture or family research will still find plenty to look at, from the Gothic chapel to monuments of well-known figures.

Why visit?

Lambeth Cemetery is not a typical tourist attraction, but for history lovers it makes an interesting stop away from London's main routes. It brings together the scale of the nineteenth-century city, brick Gothic architecture, the memory of a music hall star and the remembrance of fallen soldiers. Visit during the day, keep noise down and avoid disturbing any ceremonies in progress.