Sacred Monuments in the United Kingdom

Ramshorn Cemetery, Glasgow

Glasgow

Ramshorn Cemetery is one of Glasgow's older burial grounds, tucked into the heart of the Merchant City. Today it feels like a quiet green square ringed with weathered headstones, but it carries nearly two centuries of the city's story. How did Ramshorn Cemetery begin? Burials took place here from 1719 to 1915. The ground has gone by several names, including North West Parish Kirkyard, St David's Kirkyard and Ramshorn and Blackfriars. The last recalls a medieval Blackfriars monastery associated with the area. The land belonged to the Town Council, which set limits on the height and appearance of gravestones. Who is buried at Ramshorn? In the 18th and 19th centuries, owning a plot here signalled status among the merchant class. Burials include: David Dale (1739-1806), industrialist, John Glassford (1715-1783), tobacco merchant, Andrew Buchanan, another tobacco merchant, John Anderson, founder of Anderson's Institute, Pierre Emile L'Angelier, victim in the notorious 1857 Madeleine Smith murder case. Plots of wealthy merchants such as Glassford and Dale were marked by plain wall plaques rather than showy monuments. The darker chapters Many of the merchants buried here traded in goods produced by enslaved people, and some were slave owners themselves. This legacy is increasingly part of how the site is interpreted, including in art projects. The cemetery also had a grisly episode. In 1813 the body of Janet McAlister was stolen and found, along with four others, at the College Street medical school. Fear of body-snatchers hung over every Glasgow graveyard until the 1832 Anatomy Act regulated the supply of bodies for dissection. What will you see today? In the 20th century the ground was remodelled as a park. Most headstones were moved to the perimeter, so they usually no longer mark the actual place of burial; only some flat stones remain in place. Next door stands the former church that houses The Ramshorn, and the University of Strathclyde owns the site. Glasgow Life has run guided graveyard tours here, so check the current programme. Frequently asked questions Where is Ramshorn Cemetery? In central Glasgow, in the Merchant City district, close to university buildings and Ingram Street. When did burials stop? In 1915; the earliest burials date from 1719. Do the headstones stand over the original graves? Mostly not. They were shifted to the edges when the ground became a park. Why can the site be controversial? Many of the merchants buried here built their wealth on trade in goods produced by enslaved labour, which is now examined critically. Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you enjoy trade history, old Glasgow and less obvious corners of the city. A short stop is enough, and the Merchant City around it has plenty of cafes and galleries.

Jesmond Old Cemetery

Newcastle upon Tyne

Jesmond Old Cemetery is a Victorian cemetery in Newcastle upon Tyne, in north-east England. Its story begins in 1834, and today it is one of the most atmospheric heritage sites in Jesmond: a quiet corner of the city where a walk doubles as a lesson in Tyneside history. How did the cemetery come about? In 1834 the Newcastle General Cemetery Company was formed, aiming to create a modern burial ground for a rapidly growing town. It turned to John Dobson, one of the leading architects of northern England. Work began in 1835 and the first burials took place late in 1836. Dobson designed both the layout and the buildings, and he was later laid to rest here himself. What is there to see? Facing Jesmond Road, twin lodge buildings stand either side of an archway and gates. They served as chapels: the Anglican one on the west side, the Nonconformist one on the east. Beneath each were vaults where coffins were kept overnight. In all, the cemetery holds two Grade II listed buildings and seven Grade II listed monuments. Among them is Dobson's own tomb, with a marble headstone and iron railings. The grounds themselves are also recognised as a registered historic park. Who is buried here? The cemetery contains the graves of dozens of notable figures from Tyneside's past. One is Emerson Muschamp Bainbridge, founder of the Bainbridge department store, often described as one of the earliest in the world. A naturalist from the Hancock family is also buried here, linked to the region's natural history scene. There are ten Commonwealth war graves as well: eight from the First World War and two from the Second. How to visit This is a place for anyone who enjoys architecture, local history and quiet. Wander the paths slowly, look for ornate headstones, and take time over the chapels. Since 2008 the grounds have had the support of the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery, a volunteer group that helps protect the site and share its story with visitors. Frequently asked questions Who designed Jesmond Old Cemetery? John Dobson, the celebrated Newcastle architect, who is buried in the same cemetery. When was it founded? The founding company was formed in 1834, and burials began in 1836. Is the cemetery listed? Yes. Two buildings and seven monuments are Grade II listed, and the grounds are a registered historic park. Are there war graves? Yes, ten Commonwealth service graves from the two world wars. Why visit? For Dobson's architecture, the city's history and the calm Victorian atmosphere in the middle of Newcastle.

Roselawn Cemetery

Lisburn and Castlereagh District

Roselawn Cemetery is Belfast's main municipal cemetery, a large, landscaped burial ground and crematorium on the city's eastern edge, along the Ballygowan Road near Crossnacreevy. It is owned and run by Belfast City Council and has served the city since the mid-1950s. What is Roselawn Cemetery? Roselawn is a "lawn" cemetery, a layout in which graves are set in open, mown grass rather than packed between tall monuments. The grounds were laid out in the early 1950s and the ground was formally consecrated in 1954, the year the cemetery opened. Its name is attributed to the roses planted along the main driveway. What is the history of the site? The cemetery has grown considerably since opening. Additional land has been absorbed over the decades, and the grounds have been shaped with lakes and planting to make them a calmer, more pleasant place to walk. Roselawn is one of the largest municipal cemeteries in the United Kingdom, though figures for its exact area vary between sources. The City of Belfast Crematorium stands within the grounds. It opened in 1961 and is described as the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Belfast City Council states that it provides cremation services for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, so families travel here from well beyond the city. Is there anything of historical interest? Yes. Within the grounds are the remains of an ancient ráth, an earthen ringfort dating from the Iron Age or the early Christian period. It is a reminder that the land was settled long before the cemetery was planned. Roselawn also holds graves linked to the Troubles. These include police and prison officers, soldiers, and victims of attacks such as the Abercorn Restaurant, Oxford Street and La Mon House Hotel bombings. For many visitors from Northern Ireland, this gives the cemetery a particular weight as a place of remembrance. Can tourists visit? Roselawn is first and foremost a working cemetery, so it is not a conventional sightseeing stop. Visitors who come out of interest in local history, genealogy or remembrance are welcome to walk the grounds, but should keep to the quiet, respectful conduct expected of any burial site and take care not to disturb funerals or services in progress. Frequently asked questions When did Roselawn Cemetery open? The cemetery opened in 1954, after being laid out in the early 1950s. Who runs it? Belfast City Council owns and operates it, including the crematorium. Where is it? On the Ballygowan Road, on the outskirts of Belfast in Northern Ireland, in the Lisburn and Castlereagh District area. Is there a crematorium? Yes. The City of Belfast Crematorium opened on the grounds in 1961. What ancient feature is on site? The remains of a ringfort, or ráth, from the Iron Age or early Christian period. Why is it called Roselawn? The name is attributed to the roses planted along the main driveway. Are there Troubles-related graves? Yes, including police and prison officers, soldiers and victims of several well-known bombings in Belfast.

Dutch memorial cemetery Mill Hill

Londyn

The Dutch memorial cemetery at Mill Hill is a small, quiet plot in north London where Dutch servicemen and seamen who died in the Second World War are buried. It lies inside Mill Hill Cemetery in the London Borough of Barnet and serves as the Dutch National War Memorial in Great Britain. What is this place? It is not a separate cemetery but a dedicated section of a larger one. Mill Hill Cemetery began as a municipal burial ground for the Borough of Paddington: the council bought land here in 1933 and opened it in 1936 as "Paddington New Cemetery". After the war, Paddington gave a small piece of ground in the north of the cemetery, roughly half an acre, to the Netherlands War Graves Commission. That became the place of remembrance for Dutch people who died between 1940 and 1945. Who is buried here? Most sources say 254 Dutch war dead rest in the plot. The majority were merchant seamen, and their graves were brought together from across the United Kingdom. Larger memorial stones also list roughly 180 to 185 further names of people buried elsewhere in the country. Sources give slightly different figures, so treat the numbers as approximate. The memorial and its opening The centrepiece is a bronze figure of a dying man by the sculptor Cor van Kralingen. The monument is inscribed "In Memory of the Netherlands War Victims 1940-45". The plot was officially opened on 12 May 1965 by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, with the Duke of Gloucester present. Queen Juliana visited in April 1972. Are there other war graves at Mill Hill? Yes. The same cemetery also holds a Commonwealth war graves plot maintained by the CWGC, with 53 Second World War graves, mostly in section C. One visit lets you see two distinct places of remembrance. Is it worth visiting? This is not a sightseeing attraction in the usual sense but a place for reflection. If you are interested in Second World War history, the story of merchant seamen, or Anglo-Dutch relations, it is a lesser-known stop away from central London's crowds. Be quiet and respectful, as you would anywhere in a working cemetery. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. It is part of an active municipal cemetery, so there are no tickets. Check the cemetery operator's website for gate opening times. When was the Dutch memorial created? The plot opened in 1965, while Mill Hill Cemetery itself dates from 1936. Who made the sculpture? The bronze figure of a dying man is by Cor van Kralingen. How many Dutch casualties are buried here? The figure most often given is 254, mainly merchant seamen. How do I get there? Mill Hill is in the north London borough of Barnet. Public transport is the easiest option, and a mapping app will give the best route on the day of your visit.

Ilford (Buckingham Road) Cemetery

Londyn

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.

Rippleside Cemetery

Londyn

Rippleside Cemetery is a Victorian municipal cemetery on Ripple Road in Barking, east London. Covering roughly 31 acres, it has served the local community for well over a century. For visitors it is a quiet slice of local history: 1886 architecture, war memorials and the graves of people who helped shape the town. Why was Rippleside Cemetery created? In the later nineteenth century Barking was growing fast, and the churchyard at St Margaret's could no longer cope. The Barking Parish Burial Board laid out a new burial ground, which opened in 1886. The first burial took place that October. In 1897 the Urban District Council took over its management. Dr Hugh Herbert Mason and his wife Susanna, both members of the burial board, were central to the project. Susanna Mason is also remembered as the first woman elected to Barking's town council, in 1894. What can you see at Rippleside Cemetery? The 1886 chapel — designed by architect Charles J Dawson and listed at Grade II. The most impressive monuments cluster around it. Original lodge and gates — the Victorian lodge, gates and some railings survive. Cross of Sacrifice — a Portland stone war memorial, also Grade II listed. Stained glass — a window in the Chapel of Rest commemorates the Masons' daughter, who died aged seven in 1896. Susanna donated a series of windows, designed by Dawson, whose own grave lies opposite the chapel. Family monuments — including a marble triptych for Margaret Gow (d. 1929) and the Kelly family grave. Traces of local tragedy Six people killed in the explosion at Hewett's works in Barking on 12 January 1899 are buried here. Headstones like these tell the story of an industrial district: its work, its accidents and its ordinary families. What is the cemetery like today? The burial ground was extended eastwards around 1950. Today it includes memorial and lawn-grave sections, a dedicated children's area and a memorial garden. Burial registers run from 1886 to 2019 and hold around 62,600 entries, a useful resource for family historians. The site is also designated an Archaeological Priority Area. Frequently asked questions Where is Rippleside Cemetery? In Barking, in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, on Ripple Road. When did it open? In 1886, with the first burial that October. Are any structures listed? Yes, the chapel and the war memorial are both Grade II listed. Can I research ancestors here? Yes. Burial records span 1886 to 2019 and number more than 62,000 entries. How should I behave when visiting? It is a working cemetery, so keep noise down, respect mourners and photograph discreetly, away from any ceremonies.

Hornchurch (St. Andrew) Churchyard

Londyn

St Andrew's Churchyard in Hornchurch is the historic burial ground surrounding St Andrew's parish church in Hornchurch, in east London. It suits visitors who enjoy local history, old gravestones and quiet war memorials away from the capital's busiest tourist routes. Where is it and what is it? The churchyard surrounds the parish church of St Andrew in the London Borough of Havering. It is not a ticketed attraction with guides, but a long-established place of remembrance that is best seen together with the church itself. Walking between the graves gives a sense of how a local community lived and was commemorated over many centuries. How old is the site? A church has stood here since at least 1163. According to published sources, King Henry II gave it to Hornchurch Priory in that year, and the ground around it has been tied to parish life ever since. The spot also has an interesting geological past: during the Anglian glaciation the ice sheet reached an area known as The Dell, only a few metres south of where the church now stands. What is worth seeing? Inside the church there are monuments and memorials to local families and notable figures. One commemorates Thomas Clutterbuck, Treasurer of the Navy, who died in 1742. Out in the churchyard itself, the war graves draw the most attention. Commonwealth war graves Service personnel of the Commonwealth from both world wars are buried here. The Church of England heritage record, citing CWGC data, lists 38 war graves in total. Four graves belong to men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who served in the First World War. All four were in the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion and died in June 1916. For visitors from New Zealand and anyone interested in military history, this is a particularly moving part of the visit. The neighbouring cemetery Hornchurch Cemetery, opened by the local urban district council in 1932, adjoins the churchyard on its northern and eastern sides. Because it had no chapel of its own, most funeral services were held at St Andrew's. In practice the two places form one shared landscape of memory. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? It is not a ticketed attraction. The churchyard is usually open to walk through in daylight, but check arrangements with the parish. Are burials still taking place? It is not certain whether the churchyard is still in use for burials. Confirm the current position with the parish. How should I behave? Remember this is a place of rest and remembrance. Keep voices low, do not step on graves and photograph respectfully. How long should I allow? About an hour is enough for a relaxed walk, the war graves and a look around the church. What else is nearby? Combine the visit with the church of St Andrew, the centre of Hornchurch and the adjoining Hornchurch Cemetery.

Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery

Londyn

Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery is a cemetery and crematorium in the London Borough of Bromley, opened in 1876. It blends the story of a Victorian municipal burial ground with the memory of people who shaped British sport, engineering and public life. For visitors interested in London history, it is a quiet alternative to the capital's far larger cemeteries. What kind of place is it? The cemetery was created in the nineteenth century, when London and its suburbs were growing fast and old churchyards could no longer cope with the number of residents. It was first known as Crystal Palace District Cemetery, and today it is also commonly called Elmers End Cemetery, after the neighbourhood where it stands. Many sources give 1880 as the opening year, but 1876 is the correct date. Originally the grounds held two Gothic-style chapels designed by the architect Alexander Hennell. The larger one was devastated in air raids during the Second World War and had to be demolished. The chapel that survived was converted to include cremation facilities and opened in that role in 1956, which explains the double name used today. What can you see? At the main entrance, stone gate piers, wrought iron gates and iron boundary railings survive, giving the approach a distinctly Victorian character. The oldest part of the cemetery lies near this entrance, next to a large Edwardian lodge. This is where the original atmosphere is easiest to feel: aged headstones, winding paths and mature trees form a calm, green setting. Who is buried here? The cemetery is known for the graves of several people who left a mark on history: W.G. Grace – the legendary English cricketer, one of the towering figures of Victorian sport. Thomas Crapper – associated with the spread of plumbing and flush toilets in Britain. George Evans – a soldier awarded the Victoria Cross in 1916, Britain's highest decoration for gallantry. Josiah Stamp, 1st Baron Stamp – an economist and financier who was killed together with his wife by a German bomb on 16 April 1941. A large memorial marks the family. Frederick Wolseley – the inventor who, with Herbert Austin, founded the Wolseley car company. Among the burials you will also find names connected with Polish history, including Jerzy Wołkowicki. Practical information The site remains a working cemetery and crematorium, so please respect mourners: keep voices low, dress appropriately and be considerate when taking photographs. It lies on Elmers End Road in south-east London and is recorded in the London Gardens Trust inventory of historic green spaces. It is best visited in daylight; allow about an hour for a relaxed walk. Frequently asked questions When did the cemetery open? In 1876, although some accounts wrongly say 1880. Is it still a working crematorium? Yes. The surviving chapel was converted for cremation in 1956, and the site is still used for burials and ceremonies. Who is buried here? Among others, the cricketer W.G. Grace, Thomas Crapper and George Evans, a Victoria Cross recipient. Why does it have several names? It was first called Crystal Palace District Cemetery and is also known locally as Elmers End Cemetery. Is it worth visiting as a tourist? Yes, if you enjoy Victorian architecture, London history and quiet places off the main tourist routes.

Brady Street Cemetery, Whitechapel

Londyn

Brady Street Jewish Cemetery in London is a disused burial ground in Whitechapel, in the heart of the East End. Closed to new burials since the mid-19th century, it is among the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in this part of the city and a quiet record of the history of London's Ashkenazi community. Where is it and how do you spot it? The cemetery lies on Brady Street in Whitechapel, just east of the City. For centuries this district welcomed successive waves of immigrants, including many Jewish families. Today the site is surrounded by ordinary urban buildings and hidden behind a wall, so it is easy to walk past without realising what it is. How did it begin? The land was originally a brickfield beside Ducking Pond Lane. In 1761 it was leased by the New Synagogue congregation, which opened a burial ground here. The Great Synagogue later used it as well and bought the freehold in 1795. The street itself was once known as North Street. Why do the headstones stand back to back? By the 1790s the ground was filling up. The solution was to spread an extra layer of earth over the existing graves and bury further on top. Headstones on this upper level were placed back to back, an arrangement that is rarely seen. The upper section was also used for people who did not belong to a particular congregation, and was known as the Strangers Ground. Who is buried here? Burials include Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschel, the banker Nathan Meyer Rothschild and the philanthropist Abraham Goldsmid. Miriam Levy, who opened a soup kitchen in Whitechapel, rests here too. These names show that wealthy financiers lay alongside people devoted to helping their poorer neighbours. Can you go inside? The cemetery no longer takes burials, the last having taken place in the 1850s. It is owned by the United Synagogue and is normally closed to visitors, with access sometimes possible by prior appointment. It is worth contacting the owners before you go. If that is not possible, you can still view the wall and gate from the street. Frequently asked questions Is the cemetery still in use? No. Burials stopped around 1857; sources give slightly different closing dates, one of them 1858. Is entry free and open? No, it can be visited only by arrangement. Why is it worth knowing about? It brings together the story of the Jewish East End, London banking fortunes and everyday charity, and it has a distinctive arrangement of headstones. What else is nearby? Whitechapel and neighbouring Spitalfields have streets full of traces of the immigrant past, galleries, markets and former synagogues, so a visit here fits easily into a full day exploring the East End.

Queen's Road Cemetery

Londyn

Queen's Road Cemetery is a Victorian municipal cemetery in Croydon, south London. It has been in use since 1861 and is one of the oldest burial grounds in this part of the capital. Today it is a quiet, green corner of the borough that keeps much of its nineteenth-century layout, chapels and gateway. How did Queen's Road Cemetery come about? In March 1859 the Croydon Local Board of Health took on the role of a Burial Board. Burial space was running short, and closing the churchyard of St John the Baptist had been proposed. The Home Secretary approved the purchase of about 22 acres of land for a new cemetery. It opened in 1861, and its layout dates from 1863. The first person buried here was Thomas Garniss, a member of the Croydon Board of Guardians. A larger cemetery, Croydon Cemetery on Mitcham Road, followed in 1897. Both are now managed by the London Borough of Croydon. What is there to see? Much of the original 1863 plan survives. The main axis is a central walk planted with cedars, holly and yew. Among the buildings and structures, look out for: a pair of linked cemetery chapels, the former lodge, stone gate piers and railings along Queen's Road. The cemetery holds around 50,000 graves, and roughly 97,000 burials have taken place since it opened, because many graves contain more than one person. Who is buried here? The best-known name is Admiral Sir Stephen Lushington, a Crimean War veteran and governor of Greenwich Hospital. There are also graves belonging to Catholic religious orders, and a section known as "Surrey Street" where local street traders were buried. It is a small reminder of everyday life in Croydon, a historic market town. War graves The cemetery contains 181 Commonwealth war graves: 143 from the First World War and 38 from the Second. For visitors interested in remembrance, it is a notable site in south London. Frequently asked questions Where is Queen's Road Cemetery? In Croydon, in the south of Greater London, on Queen's Road. When did it open? In 1861, with the current layout of paths dating from 1863. Is it the only large cemetery in Croydon? No. The larger Croydon Cemetery on Mitcham Road opened in 1897. Both are run by the same borough. Can I see soldiers' graves? Yes, there are 181 war graves from the two world wars. Who will enjoy a visit? People interested in local history, Victorian architecture and quiet walks among mature trees. Normal cemetery etiquette applies: keep noise down and respect the graves.

Plashet Jewish Cemetery

Londyn

Plashet Jewish Cemetery is a historic Jewish burial ground in the London Borough of Newham, in the Manor Park and East Ham area of east London. It is a quiet place of remembrance that recalls the large Jewish community that once lived across the East End and beyond. How did Plashet Cemetery come about? The United Synagogue, the main body of Orthodox Jewish congregations in Britain, bought the land in 1888. Burials did not begin straight away: the cemetery only opened in 1896. By then east London was growing fast and was home to many Jewish immigrants and working families, so a new burial ground was badly needed. What does the site look like? The graves follow a grid layout, set out in tidy rows. A prayer hall once stood at the centre, but it was damaged by bombing and later demolished. Today a small brick building stands just inside the main entrance. The cemetery sits on High Street North in Manor Park, and the calm within its walls contrasts with the busy road outside. Who is buried here? The cemetery was once nicknamed the Trade Unionists Cemetery, since figures from the labour movement are buried here, including former secretaries of the cigar makers' union and the costermongers' union. Sir John De Villiers, a librarian at the British Museum, also rests here. There are also war graves from the First World War, looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Sources give differing totals, in the region of several dozen burials. Can you visit? This is a working burial ground and a religious space, not a typical sightseeing stop. According to the London Gardens Trust, access is by appointment through the Burial Society. Other sources describe the site as closed, so check current information before travelling and do not count on dropping in unannounced. Frequently asked questions Where is Plashet Jewish Cemetery? In Manor Park, in the London Borough of Newham, on High Street North. When did it open? The land was bought in 1888 and the cemetery opened in 1896. Is it open to visitors? There are no regular opening hours. Entry is generally by prior arrangement, and sources disagree, so enquire in advance. Who is buried here? Trade unionists, the British Museum librarian Sir John De Villiers, and First World War service personnel, among many others. How should you behave? Remember that this is a place that honours the dead. Dress modestly, keep quiet and respect Jewish tradition. Men usually cover their heads. Do not disturb the headstones, and take photographs sparingly. The cemetery has suffered vandalism in the past, which is why those who look after it restrict access. Why it is worth knowing about Plashet shows a different side of London from Big Ben or Tower Bridge. It tells the story of ordinary East End residents: their work, their faith and their activism. For anyone interested in London history, Jewish heritage or family research, it is a meaningful point on the map of the east of the city. The area is well connected to the centre, and other cemeteries and green spaces of Newham lie nearby, so a visit can be combined into a calm, reflective walk through a lesser-known part of the capital.

East London Cemetery

Londyn

East London Cemetery is a working cemetery and crematorium in Plaistow, in the London Borough of Newham, in the east of the city. Founded in the early 1870s, it still operates today and preserves traces of Victorian London's history. For visitors interested in lesser-known corners of the capital, it is a quiet, off-the-tourist-trail stop. What is the history of East London Cemetery? The cemetery was founded in 1871 and laid out in 1872 to meet the growing demand for burial space in London's eastern suburbs. The first burial took place in August 1872. The grounds cover roughly 33 acres. After 1888, a pair of Gothic-style chapels was built in the centre of the site. The Nonconformist chapel was later converted into a crematorium, which has been in use since 1954. The cemetery was previously run by the East London Cemetery Company. It is now owned and operated by the Dignity Funeral Group. Who is buried here? Several people known from history and culture are laid to rest here: Lilian Baylis – theatre producer and director, a major figure in London theatre, Elizabeth Stride – regarded as the third victim of Jack the Ripper, Queenie Watts – actress who appeared in many Carry On films, Karl Hans Lody – a German spy in the First World War and the last person shot at the Tower of London; he was first buried within the Tower grounds and later moved to this cemetery. Some sources spell his first name "Carl". What memorials and war graves can you see? A memorial here commemorates around 550 victims of the paddle steamer Princess Alice, which sank in the Thames near Beckton in 1878. The 1917 Silvertown explosion is also remembered on site. The cemetery contains war graves too: 244 burials from 1914-1918 and 132 Commonwealth burials from 1939-1945. These are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, so the war graves are easy to recognise by their uniform headstones. How should you visit? This is an active cemetery, so respectful behaviour is expected: keep voices low, be discreet when taking photographs, and avoid photographing funeral parties. It is best to plan your visit away from times when ceremonies are held. A walk lets you see Victorian headstones, the Gothic chapels and the communal memorials. Check current opening hours with the operator, Dignity, before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is East London Cemetery? In Plaistow, in the London Borough of Newham, east London. Is the cemetery still in use? Yes. Burials continue, and a crematorium operates on the grounds. Who owns it? Today, the Dignity Funeral Group; the previous owner was the East London Cemetery Company. Is a Jack the Ripper victim buried here? Yes, Elizabeth Stride, regarded as the third victim, is buried here. Is it the same as Plaistow Cemetery? No. Plaistow Cemetery in Bromley is a different site, opened in 1893. Are there war graves? Yes, from both world wars, including Commonwealth service personnel.

Toxteth Park Cemetery

Liverpool

Toxteth Park Cemetery is a large Victorian burial ground on Smithdown Road in Liverpool, England. Opened in June 1856, it is one of the city's best-preserved examples of a nineteenth-century municipal cemetery, and today it is as much a quiet green space and open-air history lesson as it is a place of remembrance. When and why was Toxteth Park Cemetery created? The cemetery opened on Monday 9 June 1856. It was run by the Toxteth Park Burial Board, a body that already existed by 1855. Boards like this were set up in Victorian England as towns grew fast and old churchyards ran out of room. The first burial, that of Elizabeth Watling, took place the same month. In 1905 responsibility passed to Liverpool Corporation, the city's council of the time. What is there to see? The grounds hold a sizeable collection of monuments, and several are protected as Grade II listed structures. Among them are the Pennington Memorial, the monument to Patience Simpson and the memorial to the Rowe family. The cemetery as a whole is also on the national heritage list, which reflects the quality of its layout and funerary architecture. A walk along the paths shows how Victorian families used stone, carved symbols and inscriptions to express status and grief. Look, too, for the Toxteth War Memorial, which stands within the grounds. Who is buried at Toxteth Park Cemetery? The cemetery's own history pages name a number of notable people: Sir James Allanson Picton, a Liverpool figure remembered for promoting a free public library in the city. Sir John Bent, a prominent local civic personality. William John Howard Hetherington, the cemetery's first registrar. Alfred Rowe, a first-class passenger on the Titanic. William Cross, a dealer in wild animals, mentioned in the heritage listing. Mary Billinge, reputedly Liverpool's oldest woman, who was buried here in 1863 at the age of 112. Are there war graves? Yes. The site contains a substantial number of Commonwealth war graves from both World Wars, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The records list several hundred identified casualties, the large majority from 1914-1918 and a smaller group from 1939-1945. A dedicated war plot holds dozens of burials, with names recorded on a screen wall, and many of the graves belong to soldiers of the King's Liverpool Regiment. Practical tips for visitors The cemetery lies along Smithdown Road, a main route in south Liverpool, so it is easy to reach by bus or on foot from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Treat it as an active place of remembrance. Keep voices low, stay on the paths and do not step on graves. Allow an hour or two if you want to read inscriptions and find the listed monuments. Good footwear helps, as older sections can be uneven or damp. Frequently asked questions When did Toxteth Park Cemetery open? On 9 June 1856. Is the cemetery listed? Yes. It is on the national heritage list, and a number of individual monuments inside are Grade II listed. Who is the best-known person buried here? Visitors are often drawn to Alfred Rowe, a Titanic passenger, and to Sir James Allanson Picton, the library campaigner. Does it contain war graves? Yes, from both the First and Second World Wars, cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Is it free to visit? Cemeteries of this kind are generally open to the public without an entry fee, but check local council information for current opening hours.

Leytonstone (St. Patrick's) Roman Catholic Cemetery

Londyn

Leytonstone (St. Patrick's) Roman Catholic Cemetery is a large Catholic burial ground in east London, in Leytonstone in the borough of Waltham Forest. It opened in 1868 to give the East End's Roman Catholics consecrated ground for burials. It is one of only two Roman Catholic cemeteries in London, the other being St Mary's in Kensal Green. What should you know about this place? This is not a ticketed attraction with a visitor route. It is a working cemetery where Londoners have been buried for over 150 years, including very many Irish families who settled in the east of the city during the 19th century. Sources put the number of burials at roughly 170,000, making it one of the largest cemeteries in the area. It tells a story of migration and faith in London. Who is buried here? The best-known burial is Mary Jane Kelly, regarded as the last canonical victim of Jack the Ripper, killed in 1888. Her grave was originally unmarked, and its exact location remains uncertain. A memorial stone placed in 1986 is now thought to stand in the wrong spot. For this reason the cemetery draws people interested in London's criminal history. Timothy Evans is also buried here. He was hanged in 1950 for a murder later attributed to John Christie. After a pardon, his remains were moved from Pentonville Prison and reburied at this cemetery in 1965. His case is among the most discussed in Britain's debate on capital punishment. War graves The cemetery contains Commonwealth war graves from both World Wars, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. According to the CWGC, there are well over a hundred burials from 1914-1918 and a similar number from 1939-1945. Some of the casualties came from outside Britain, including New Zealand, as recorded by New Zealand's war graves register. How to visit respectfully This is a place of rest, so keep quiet and show respect. Be discreet around visiting families, stay on the paths and avoid photographing mourners. Check opening hours and access rules with the cemetery's management beforehand. A walk usually takes one to two hours, depending on how many graves you want to find. For specific names, use the CWGC records or the cemetery office. Frequently asked questions When was the cemetery founded? In 1868. Is it a tourist attraction? Not in the usual sense. It is an active cemetery, but its history and well-known graves attract people interested in London's past. Where is Mary Jane Kelly buried? In this cemetery, though the precise location of her grave is uncertain. The 1986 stone was later judged to be in the wrong place. Are there war graves? Yes, from both World Wars, cared for by the CWGC. How do I get there? The cemetery is in Leytonstone, east London, and is easy to reach by public transport. Check the exact route in a map app. Why does it matter? For anyone interested in London's social history, the cemetery is a quiet record of the Irish and Catholic communities of the East End. It brings together ordinary families, war casualties and notorious criminal cases, offering a less obvious view of the city away from the main tourist trails.

South Ealing Cemetery

Londyn

South Ealing Cemetery in London is a Victorian burial ground in the west of the city, founded in 1861. Today it is a quiet corner of local history, with two historic chapels, war graves and mature trees set among the streets of Ealing. How did South Ealing Cemetery come about? By the mid-nineteenth century the parish churchyard was running out of space. The Ealing and Old Brentford Burial Board therefore set up a new cemetery, opened in 1861 and known formally as Ealing and Old Brentford Cemetery. The grounds were later enlarged, with extensions in 1907 and 1940, which mirrors the growth of this western London suburb. What is there to see at the entrance? The highlight is the pair of chapels at the South Ealing Road entrance. A carriage arch joins them, topped by a clock and a small belfry. They were designed by Charles Jones, Ealing's municipal architect, and completed in 1861. Both buildings are Grade II listed, which gives them statutory protection in Britain. The two chapels reflect the religious divisions of their day. The north chapel served Nonconformist congregations, while the south chapel served the Church of England. Neither is used for services now. Their condition is poor, and both appear on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. Volunteers and local groups, including the Ealing Parks Foundation, have worked on plans for restoration. In 2019 the chapels welcomed visitors during London Open House, the annual event that opens normally closed buildings for a weekend. Who is buried here? Burials include G. Cosens Prior (1855-1937), a solicitor and social reformer. Spencer Walpole, a politician and MP who died in 1898 and owned Pitshanger Manor, a well-known Ealing house, is also buried here. Most of the graves belong to ordinary local residents, and together they paint a portrait of the district across generations. War graves An important part of the site is its Commonwealth war graves: 184 service personnel are buried here. There is also the grave of Pierre Francois Van Wesemael, a Belgian soldier from the First World War. For anyone interested in twentieth-century history it is a moving stop, a reminder that the wars reached the quiet suburbs of London too. Is the cemetery still in use? The cemetery is closed to new burials, apart from the reopening of existing family graves. As a result it has a calm, historic atmosphere, closer to a small memorial park than to an active cemetery. Who will enjoy a visit? fans of Victorian architecture who like sights off the main tourist trail, genealogists and anyone curious about local London history, walkers looking for peaceful corners of the city, visitors seeking Commonwealth war graves. Frequently asked questions When did South Ealing Cemetery open? In 1861, when the parish churchyard ran out of room. Who designed the chapels? Charles Jones, Ealing's municipal architect. Can I go inside the chapels? They no longer function as chapels and are in poor condition. They have opened to the public on occasion, for example during Open House in 2019, so check current event information before you go. Are any notable people buried here? Yes, including the politician Spencer Walpole and the solicitor and social reformer G. Cosens Prior. Does the cemetery still accept burials? No, other than reopened family graves. Where is the entrance? The main entrance with the chapels is on South Ealing Road in west London.

Gunnersbury Cemetery

Gunnersbury Cemetery, London Gunnersbury Cemetery is a municipal burial ground in west London, opened in 1929. Although it lies within the London Borough of Hounslow, it has always been run by a different authority, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. For many Poles abroad it is among the most significant places of remembrance in Britain. Why is it in one borough but owned by another? Kensington needed a new place for burials because its older cemetery at Hanwell had filled up. In 1925 the council bought land that had once belonged to the Rothschild family's Gunnersbury Park estate and soon afterwards laid it out as a cemetery. That is the reason for the mismatch between geography and administration. Who is buried here? The cemetery holds people from many backgrounds, but the Polish community is especially visible. A large share of the graves belong to wartime refugees and soldiers who stayed in Britain after the Second World War. The southern section is mostly Roman Catholic, with many Polish, Eastern European and Russian names. Notable burials include: Tadeusz Bor-Komorowski (d. 1966), the Home Army commander who ordered the Warsaw Uprising of 1944; Jozef Smolenski (d. 1978), a cavalry officer who wrote the history of the 7th Lancers; Sir Carol Reed (d. 1976), the British film director; Prince Vsevolod Romanov (d. 1973), a great-great-grandson of Tsar Nicholas I; Lord Broughshane (d. 1953), Mayor of Kensington from 1913 to 1919 and a long-serving MP. The Katyn Memorial The most moving feature is the Katyn Memorial, a black obelisk designed by Louis Fitzgibbon. It stands where a Roman Catholic chapel was destroyed during the war. It was unveiled in 1976 in memory of some 14,500 Polish prisoners of war who vanished from Soviet camps. The unveiling was politically sensitive, since British governments during the Cold War had been reluctant to endorse such a monument. Today it is a focus for annual commemorations and wreath-laying. War graves The cemetery also contains 49 Commonwealth service graves from the Second World War, maintained as places of remembrance. Frequently asked questions How do I get to Gunnersbury Cemetery? It is in Acton, close to Gunnersbury station, which is served by the Underground and suburban rail. From there it is a short walk. Is the cemetery still in use? Yes, it remains an active municipal cemetery. Please be quiet and respectful, particularly during funerals and ceremonies at the Katyn Memorial. Why are there so many Poles buried here? After the Second World War a large Polish wartime community settled in London, made up of soldiers and refugees who did not return home. The cemetery became their natural final resting place. Is it worth a visit if I have no family here? Yes. For anyone interested in twentieth-century history it ties together Poland, Russia and Britain, and the Katyn Memorial is one of the best-known Polish memorials outside Poland.

Pinner New Cemetery

Londyn

Pinner New Cemetery is a municipal cemetery in Pinner, in the London Borough of Harrow, Greater London. It dates from the 1930s and sits on Pinner Road, a short distance from the older churchyard-style burial ground on Paines Lane. What is Pinner New Cemetery? The cemetery was dedicated on 13 May 1933 and laid out to designs by the Borough Architect, S W Richardson. Landscaping work involved H J Mark and W Richardson, both locally important architects of the 1930s. The site is a good example of the fresh approach to cemetery design that emerged in that decade, favouring open, garden-like layouts over the crowded Victorian model. Where is it and what surrounds it? The cemetery lies just north of the 1930s residential development of Capel Gardens and Pinner Court. Each part of this group of gardens was built individually, yet all were planned to relate to one another. Their layout has remained largely unaltered, so the area still reads as a coherent piece of interwar suburban planning. Pinner itself is a historic village that became part of the London suburbs, and the cemetery belongs to its twentieth-century expansion. What can you see inside? Deciduous planting strongly predominates, which gives the grounds a changing character through the year: bare and open in winter, leafy and shaded in summer. Among the individual monuments, one stands out: the red granite armchair grave of Susan Dunford, who "left her chair vacant" in 1954. It is one of the more unusual memorials in the borough and a popular curiosity for visitors who walk the paths. The cemetery also contains Commonwealth war graves, together with other individual graves of historical interest. These add to its significance as a place of remembrance as well as a green space. How big is its history? Harrow Council's burial records list 18,022 burials, dated from 18 May 1933 to 30 March 2012. That span gives a sense of the site's role in local life for almost eighty years. Heritage status A council proposal has put forward local listing for the Pinner Road gardens and cemetery. It describes the cemetery as a good example of a new 1930s design approach to cemeteries, with the Commonwealth graves and other individual graves adding special interest. Frequently asked questions Is Pinner New Cemetery the same as Paines Lane Cemetery? No. Paines Lane Cemetery is a separate, older site that opened in 1860. Admiral Nelson's daughter Horatia is buried there, and her Grade II listed grave is in that older cemetery, not in the New Cemetery. When did Pinner New Cemetery open? It was dedicated on 13 May 1933, and the first burials in the council records date from 18 May 1933. Who designed it? The Borough Architect, S W Richardson, produced the designs. H J Mark and W Richardson were involved in the landscaping. What is the best-known monument? The red granite armchair grave of Susan Dunford, dating from 1954. Are there war graves? Yes, the cemetery contains Commonwealth graves. Is it open to visitors? It is a public council cemetery, so visitors can walk its paths quietly and respectfully, and the planting and monuments make it a pleasant, calm stop in Pinner.

Witton Cemetery

Birmingham

Witton Cemetery, Birmingham Witton Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Birmingham, England. It opened in 1863 as Birmingham City Cemetery and covers about 103 acres (roughly 42 hectares), in the Witton area in the north of the city. It is a quiet, green place where Victorian funerary architecture, wartime graves and the stories of ordinary Birmingham families sit side by side. What is Witton Cemetery and when did it open? The cemetery opened in 1863 and was for decades the city's main burial ground. Until 1911 it was the only cemetery owned by the Corporation of Birmingham. The layout is credited to Richard Ashwell, superintendent of London Road Cemetery in Coventry, while the buildings were the work of R. Clarke of Nottingham. A northern section was left unconsecrated and was used mainly for Nonconformist and Catholic burials, so the site reflects the religious mix of a growing industrial city. What can you see there? The cemetery originally had three chapels. The Anglican chapel, built in Gothic style, still stands. A later Jewish prayer hall also survives. The Roman Catholic and Nonconformist chapels were demolished around 1980, with two of the three original chapels lost in that period. The cemetery office was opened in 1999. Walking the paths, you will find a wide range of headstones and monuments, from modest markers to elaborate Victorian memorials. The grounds also include Commonwealth war graves, a reminder of the soldiers who died far from the front and were laid to rest in Birmingham. Who is buried at Witton? Among early burials is Mary Sturge, wife of the mayor Charles Sturge, who obtained special permission for her to be buried here. Another name recorded in the sources is James Guidney (1782-1866), a former soldier and pedlar. Their stories show how the cemetery holds both civic figures and people of modest means. Is the cemetery still in use? For many years Witton carried out up to 20 burials a day. In December 2013 it was declared "full to capacity". Since then, burials are limited to existing family plots, babies and cremated remains. Additional capacity was provided at the nearby New Hall Cemetery. Frequently asked questions Is Witton Cemetery the biggest in Birmingham? Yes, it is the largest cemetery in the city. How big is it? About 103 acres. Does the Anglican chapel still exist? Yes, the Gothic Anglican chapel survives, together with a later Jewish prayer hall. Are new burials still possible? Only in existing family plots, and for babies or cremated remains, since the cemetery was declared full in 2013. Are there war graves? Yes, the cemetery contains Commonwealth war graves. Who looks after local history? A volunteer group, the Friends of Witton Cemetery, shares historical information about the site. Visiting Come for a reflective walk, for local and family history research, or to photograph Victorian cemetery architecture. Treat it as the working burial ground it remains: keep to the paths, keep your voice down and respect any ceremonies taking place.

Grove Park Cemetery

Londyn

Grove Park Cemetery is a municipal cemetery in south-east London, in the London Borough of Lewisham. It lies in the Chinbrook area of Grove Park, on Marvels Lane, and opened in 1935. That makes it one of the capital's younger burial grounds, and its layout reflects interwar planning. It is owned by Lewisham Council. Where is Grove Park Cemetery? The cemetery sits between Chinbrook Meadows and Marvels Wood. It occupies a level plateau of high ground that falls away to the south towards the railway, with views across to Sundridge Park. The Chinbrook name comes from "Chin Brook", an alternative name for the River Quaggy around the turn of the twentieth century. The neighbouring Chinbrook Meadows was begun in 1929 as a playground for residents of the London County Council's new Grove Park Estate. What is its history? The cemetery opened in 1935. A local historical inventory records that the first person buried here was Charles Terry, on 17 September 1935. It was founded while the surrounding district was being built up quickly, when residents of the new estates needed a burial ground close to home. How is the cemetery laid out? The original design included a brick and tile lodge, a timber-framed chapel, an office, toilets and a central drinking fountain. These features have largely remained in place. The hillside to the west was landscaped with paved terraces, which gives that part of the site a garden-like character. The entrance dates from the 1930s. It consists of a pair of wrought-iron carriage gates of the same period, hung between two tall brick piers with a rusticated finish. Is the cemetery a protected site? Yes. Historic England lists Grove Park Cemetery as a registered site of about 6.5 hectares. The early twentieth-century burial areas and the terraced gardens fall within the registered boundary. The later mid- and late-twentieth-century burial areas to the south are excluded. Who is it for? This is not a typical tourist attraction. It will appeal mostly to people interested in landscape design and the history of London's suburbs, and to anyone looking for a quiet corner away from the centre. A visit can be combined with a walk through neighbouring Chinbrook Meadows and Marvels Wood. Because it is a working cemetery, visitors should keep quiet and be respectful of people tending family graves. Frequently asked questions When did Grove Park Cemetery open? In 1935. Who owns it? Lewisham Council. Is it a protected site? Yes, it is on the Historic England register. About 6.5 hectares are covered, including the early burial areas and terraced gardens. Where exactly is it? On Marvels Lane in the Chinbrook area of Grove Park, in the London Borough of Lewisham. What is nearby? Chinbrook Meadows park and Marvels Wood.

Charlton Cemetery

Londyn

Charlton Cemetery is a Victorian burial ground in Charlton, south-east London. It opened in 1855 and today covers about 15 acres (6.1 ha). It lies on Cemetery Lane, just east of Charlton Park, and suits anyone who enjoys local history, funerary architecture and quiet walks away from the usual tourist routes. How did Charlton Cemetery come about? The cemetery was set up by the Charlton Burial Board on land that had been part of the estate of Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson. It started out on roughly 8 acres (3.2 ha) as a "Gentleman's Cemetery", and a further 7 acres (2.8 ha) were added in the 20th century. It was among the first cemeteries provided under the new Burial Act, which moved burials away from crowded churchyards onto larger, dedicated sites. What is there to see? A Victorian layout. The original plan survives: serpentine paths wind between graves and tree-lined sections. The arrangement is much the same as in the drawing printed in the Illustrated London News in 1857, so a stroll here feels like stepping back in time. Two 19th-century chapels. The Church of England chapel is in the Early English style and has a stained glass west window dating from 1865. The Roman Catholic chapel is in the Decorated style, a later phase of English Gothic. The original lodge was demolished, and the present lodge by the entrance is a later, tile-hung building. Military graves and memorials. Many military graves and monuments are found here. One standout is an urn on a large plinth commemorating 52 men and boys who died of yellow fever aboard HMS Firebrand in July 1861. Who is buried here? Notable burials include: Peter Barlow, mathematician William Henry Barlow, civil engineer Sir Geoffrey Callender, first director of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie, governor of Malta Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Holland, known for his First World War service Nikolay Ogarev, Russian poet This mix draws visitors interested in science, engineering, military history and literature as well as local residents. Frequently asked questions Where is Charlton Cemetery? In Charlton, south-east London, on Cemetery Lane to the east of Charlton Park. When did it open? In 1855. How big is it? About 15 acres (6.1 ha): roughly 8 acres originally, with 7 more added in the 20th century. Are the Victorian features still there? Yes. The cemetery keeps its Victorian path layout and two 19th-century chapels, one Church of England and one Roman Catholic. Are there military graves? Yes, there are many military graves and monuments, including the urn for the 52 who died aboard HMS Firebrand in 1861. Is it a good place for a quiet walk? Yes. Winding paths, historic chapels and old gravestones make it a rewarding stop for anyone seeking calm and traces of Victorian London. It is still a place of remembrance, so please be respectful of other visitors and the graves.

Lambeth Cemetery

Londyn

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.

New Southgate Cemetery

Londyn

New Southgate Cemetery, London New Southgate Cemetery is a Victorian cemetery of about 22 hectares in Brunswick Park, in the London Borough of Barnet, in north London. It was established in the mid-19th century by the Colney Hatch Company, a private firm, and originally operated as the Great Northern London Cemetery. Today it is a quiet, green place for anyone interested in London history, cemetery architecture and the people buried here. How did the cemetery come about? In the 1850s London was growing so fast that its old churchyards were overflowing. The answer was large cemeteries laid out on the edge of the city by private companies, and New Southgate was one of them. The name Great Northern London Cemetery was chosen partly to avoid any link with the nearby Colney Hatch asylum. The layout was designed by Alexander Spurr, an architect who later became the cemetery's superintendent. Paths run in concentric circles around a Gothic chapel at the centre, giving the grounds a clear, orderly plan. A cemetery with its own railway The most unusual feature was how the dead arrived. A railway ran from near King's Cross station to a dedicated station at the cemetery, much like the London Necropolis Railway that served Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. The rail service closed fairly soon, but the cemetery itself has stayed open ever since. Who is buried here? The best-known burial is Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957), Guardian of the Baha'i Faith. He died in London on a visit, and in line with his religion he was buried close to where he died. His grave lies in a walled garden and draws pilgrims from many countries. Also buried here are Alexander Spurr, who designed the cemetery, and Ross McWhirter, co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records. War graves The cemetery also holds war graves. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) records 109 Commonwealth burials from the First World War and 86 from the Second World War, scattered across the grounds. There are also the graves of 51 Germans who died in the Alexandra Palace internment camp, and two Belgian soldiers. Frequently asked questions Where is New Southgate Cemetery? In Brunswick Park, in the London Borough of Barnet, in north London. The coordinates are roughly 51.624 N, 0.144 W. Is the cemetery still in use? Yes. It still carries out burials, and a crematorium operates alongside it. How big is it? About 22 hectares. What is worth seeing? The Gothic chapel at the centre, the concentric layout of the paths, the garden with the grave of Shoghi Effendi, and the CWGC war graves. Can visitors walk around? It is a working cemetery, so keep quiet and show respect to mourners. Current opening hours are published by the cemetery management.

Plumstead Cemetery

Londyn

Plumstead Cemetery is a Victorian municipal burial ground on the south-eastern edge of London, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It spreads across a hillside beside the woodland of Bostall Wood, pairing quiet greenery with the local story of working-class Woolwich. Where is Plumstead Cemetery? The cemetery lies in Plumstead, south-east of Woolwich. Wickham Lane runs along its northern side, Lodge Hill rises to the east, and Bostall Wood sits to the south. The official address is Cemetery Road, off Wickham Lane, in the Abbey Wood area (postcode SE2 0NS). Its coordinates are roughly 51.4747 N, 0.1109 E. To the west lies a second, older burial ground, Woolwich Cemetery. How did the cemetery come about? It opened in 1890 under the Woolwich Burial Board, the local body responsible for burials. The site was former parkland, and the London Gardens Trust notes that in 1845 the land belonged to Old Park Farm. Surviving registers record around 56,400 burials between 1890 and 2000. What is there to see? The entrance gateway and lodges. The entrance is imposing: a pair of lodges flank the gate, and a driveway climbs from there up the slope. Chapels at the top of the hill. The main drive ends at the chapels, set on the highest ground, which gives the grounds a clear central axis. Plumstead War Memorial. It commemorates local people who died in war. Royal Arsenal accident memorials. Woolwich was home to the vast Royal Arsenal, and the cemetery holds memorials to people killed in accidents at its works. Graves of locally notable people. Two Victoria Cross recipients, Thomas Flawn and Alfred Smith, are buried here, along with two former Mayors of Woolwich. Smith served in the Camel Corps sent to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum. Edwin Hughes (1832-1904), a Member of Parliament, also rests here. Why visit? It suits visitors interested in London's social history, the lives of Royal Arsenal workers, and British traditions of wartime remembrance. The hillside layout makes for a scenic walk, and the neighbouring Bostall Wood makes it easy to combine the visit with a woodland ramble. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Plumstead Cemetery? In south-east London, in Plumstead, on Cemetery Road off Wickham Lane, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. When did it open? In 1890, on former parkland, run by the Woolwich Burial Board. Who is buried here? Among others, two Victoria Cross recipients, two former Mayors of Woolwich, and MP Edwin Hughes. Is there woodland nearby? Yes, the cemetery borders Bostall Wood to its south. Is it still in use? The cemetery is managed by Greenwich council. Check the council's website for current opening hours and access rules before you go.

Streatham Cemetery

London

Streatham Cemetery is a Victorian-era burial ground on Garratt Lane in Tooting, south London. Despite its name, it lies in the London Borough of Wandsworth, while day-to-day management belongs to Lambeth Council. It is a quiet, green corner of the city that rewards a slow walk. Where is Streatham Cemetery? The cemetery stands along Garratt Lane in Tooting, at roughly 51.433, -0.174. The name comes from the Streatham Burial Board that set it up, not from its current borough. That is why it sits in Wandsworth yet is run by Lambeth, as are two other Lambeth-managed cemeteries, West Norwood Cemetery and Lambeth Cemetery. What is the history of the cemetery? The site was created in the early 1890s, when this part of south London was still largely open land. Sources differ on the exact year, giving 1892, 1893 or 1894 depending on whether they refer to the founding or the first burials. The land was acquired under the Metropolitan Burial Act of 1852, one of the laws passed after the cholera epidemics of the mid-nineteenth century to move burials out of overcrowded churchyards and into larger cemeteries on the edge of the city. The cemetery was administered locally until 1965, when it passed into Lambeth's ownership. What can you see there? The architecture is in the Gothic Revival style. Two lodges and a pair of mirror-image chapels were designed by William Newton Dunn, and together they give the entrance area a symmetrical, formal character typical of Victorian cemetery design. Among the monuments are memorials linked to nineteenth-century musicians, composers, dancers and music hall performers. Burials include the artist, author and poet Sir Wyke Bayliss (1835-1906) and Edward Foster VC, a recipient of the Victoria Cross. The cemetery also contains Commonwealth war graves. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records 216 burials from the First World War and 167 from the Second World War, which makes it a place of remembrance as well as local history. Is it good for nature and walking? Like many Victorian cemeteries, the grounds work as an urban green space. The site is recognised as a local wildlife site, and the mix of mature trees, grass and old stonework supports birds and other wildlife. It is a calm place for a short walk, photography of Victorian funerary architecture, or a bit of local history research. Frequently asked questions Is Streatham Cemetery in Streatham? No. It is in Tooting, in the London Borough of Wandsworth, although it is managed by Lambeth. Who manages the cemetery? Lambeth Council, which also manages West Norwood Cemetery and Lambeth Cemetery. Who designed the chapels and lodges? William Newton Dunn designed the two lodges and the two mirror-image Gothic chapels. Are there war graves? Yes. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records 216 First World War and 167 Second World War burials. Is it still in use? Lambeth's information describes it as an active cemetery. It is a working burial ground, so visitors should be respectful of funerals and mourners. How do I get there? Head for Garratt Lane in Tooting. The cemetery is in the same area as other Tooting sights, so it combines easily with a wider walk through south-west London.