Cemeteries in London: what are the places to visit?

Why not discover the wonderful, world-renowned world of the best London cemeteries?

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London cemetery: article summary

Cemetery in London: Highgate Cemetery

Arguably the country's most famous cemetery, the Highgate has some of the finest funerary architecture in the world.

A place of peace and reflection, it is home to :

• An abundance of beautiful trees
• Commemorative monuments
• Wild animals.

It's probably best known as the resting place of philosopher and sociologist Karl Marx, who is buried here alongside George Eliot and Crufts founder Charles Cruft.

The famous singer George Michael was also buried here a few years ago, although his grave is in a private plot inaccessible to the general public.

Kensal Green Cemetery

Inspired by the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, All Souls Cemetery in Kensal Green was founded by lawyer George Frederick Carden.

Opened in 1833, it houses two conservation areas and an adjoining canal. The cemetery has more than 33 species of British birds and other wildlife.

It boasts memorials ranging from vast mausoleums housing the rich and famous to numerous smaller, distinctive tombs.

There are also special areas for children. The cemetery's four chapels serve all denominations.

Cemetery in London: Brompton Cemetery

Inspired by Rome's breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica, this cemetery features a domed chapel.

It is flanked by two curved, accessible colonnades. through a picturesque tree-lined avenue. The area is home to over 35,000 monuments, 28 of which are now listed.

The famous English children's author Beatrix Potter once lived nearby and it is widely believed that she took the names of several of the his characters on the various tombstones found in the cemetery.

West Norwood Cemetery

West Norwood Cemetery takes its name from the Great North Wood where it is located. It's also known as "the millionaires' cemetery" because of its the extravagance of its tombs and mausoleums.

If you visit this cemetery, you must see the famous oak tree dating back to 1540.

Culinary writer Isabella Beeton is buried at Norwood, as are other famous people such as Sir Henry Tate, sugar magnate and patron of the Tate Gallery, and Julius Baron van Reuter, creator of the Reuters news agency.

Cemetery in London: Sephardi Velho et Nuevo Jewish cemetery

This cemetery is truly unique. Surrounded by ancient-looking brick walls, it appears to be very different from other cemeteries in the area.

It was originally created by a society of Spanish and Portuguese Jews fleeing religious persecution who eventually settled in Mile End, creating a community known as Sha'Ar Hasamayim, which translates as "Heaven's Gate".

Founded in 1657, Sephardi Velho is particularly well known. In fact, it was the first Jewish cemetery opened with Oliver Cromwell's permission.

Closed in 1737, but burials resumed in the nearby Jewish cemetery.

Abney Park Cemetery

This large Victorian cemetery is located in the lively and fun-loving north London district of Stoke Newington, popular with artists, designers and creatives in general.

Over 200,000 people are buried in Abney Park Cemetery, from William Booth to unsung heroes such as Betsi Cadwaladr, who served as a nurse. alongside Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.

It also offers a verdant setting for open-air theater performances and popular children's events throughout the year.

If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary on your trip to London, I recommend a visit to one of the city's cemeteries. These places are perfect to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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