London is without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and historic cities in the world. Over the years many famous – and infamous - London residents have left their mark on the city. Since London was founded in Roman times, people have been buried literally all over the city, often where space allowed – from ornate Victorian cemeteries to tiny graveyards hidden away between modern buildings. If you have already "done" the usual London tourist attractions, on your next visit, why not take in some of London’s fascinating cemeteries, churchyards and burial places – and discover London’s permanent residents.
London's population explosion
The population of London exploded during the 19th century when London was the capital of the huge British Empire, and the world’s largest city. London’s rapidly growing population meant that all those residents needed not only a place to live - but a place to be buried too. It was during this time that several large cemeteries were built on what were then the outskirts of London – notably Brompton, Kensal Green, Abbey Park and Highgate cemeteries. These "Victorian Valhallas" as they have been described are permanent reminders of the splendor of Victorian England – famous and wealthy ‘residents’ and elaborate graves and tombs in a park-like atmosphere.
Highgate Cemetery - a "Victorian Valhalla"
The most famous and photogenic of these sprawling Victorian cemeteries is Highgate, hidden away in the leafy and affluent suburbs of north London. Here are laid to rest many of London’s most prominent citizens including the scientist Michael Faraday, the novelist George Eliot and the postal pioneer, Rowland Hill. But Highgate’s most famous resident is the founder of modern socialism – Karl Marx – whose imposing tomb forever invites "workers of all lands to unite". Part of the appeal of Highgate is not just its famous inhabitants, but the atmosphere – much of the cemetery is overgrown and unkempt, which somehow only adds to its rather eerie quality. If Highgate Cemetery looks strangely familiar, it is not your imagination – many horror movies and ghost stories have been filmed here over the years. Highgate cemetery is also the site of a purported vampire sighting in 1967 – an incident recounted in the book "The Highgate Vampire"
The cemetery abounds with ornate and spectacular Victorian tombs – not to be missed are sections of tombs set dramatically into the side of a hill, known as the "Egyptian Avenue" and the "Circle of Lebanon". Away from these grand monuments, look for the intricate detail and rather poignant elements on some of the tombs – my favorite is a sleeping stone lion on top of the grave of a Victorian animal tamer. Highgate is divided into two sections; the western part which can be visited by free guided tours only, and the eastern part (where Marx is buried) which is accessible to all.
Another Victorian cemetery worth visiting is Abbey Park in Stoke Newington. Somewhat far from the regular tourist trail, this cemetery is known for its abundant woodland and wildlife. General Booth, founder of the salvation Army is buried here, as well as many so called "non-conformists" and dissidents from the 19th century.