Teddington Cemetery

Teddington Cemetery is a municipal cemetery in the north of Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It opened in 1879 and is now Grade II listed. A visit feels less like a trip to a graveyard and more like a quiet walk through a tree-filled Victorian landscape.

How did Teddington Cemetery begin?

The nucleus of the site grew out of a design competition run by the Richmond Burial Board, the local body responsible for cemeteries. The winning scheme set a layout that largely survives today. The listing was granted on 3 August 2001. The grounds were later enlarged: around 1960 the cemetery spread north-west over former nursery land and allotment gardens.

What is there to see?

• The chapels. Designed by T. Goodchild in the Decorated Style of English Gothic, the chapels have crocketed spires and are joined by a grand entrance arch.
• The trees. The cemetery is known for its tall, eclectic trees, which give it a parkland character.
• War graves. Seventy Commonwealth service personnel are buried here: 42 from the First World War and 28 from the Second.
• Traveller memorials. According to the London Gardens Trust, the cemetery holds a number of fine memorials to members of the Traveller community.

Who is buried at Teddington Cemetery?

Burials include:

• Richard Doddridge Blackmore (died 1900), author of the novel Lorna Doone, published in 1869;
• Neil Aspinall (1941-2008), long-time head of The Beatles' company Apple Corps;
• John Wagland, Queen Victoria's state coachman, whose tomb was erected at her wish;
• Kenneth MacDonald (1950-2001), the actor who played Mike Fisher in Only Fools and Horses.

Who is it for?

Local history enthusiasts, admirers of Victorian funerary architecture and literature, and anyone after a calm green space away from central London. Beatles and British TV fans will find graves linked to favourite names. It is a working cemetery, so visitors should keep quiet and be respectful of families who are visiting.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Teddington Cemetery? In the north of Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Council records give the address as Shacklegate Lane, TW11 8SF.

When did it open? In 1879.

Is it a listed site? Yes, it is Grade II listed, designated in 2001.

Are there war graves? Yes, 70 Commonwealth service graves from both world wars.

Who is buried here? Among others, R. D. Blackmore, author of Lorna Doone, Neil Aspinall of Apple Corps, and the actor Kenneth MacDonald.

Is it a good place for a walk? Yes, thanks to its mature trees and peaceful atmosphere, provided you respect that it is an active burial ground.