Magnificent Seven - Brompton Cemetery

                                                      Part III of III

The final cemetery from my Magnificent Seven adventure is the “open-air cathedral” designed Brompton Cemetery.

Cemetery: Brompton Cemetery; originally known as West of London and Westminster Cemetery

Established: Planned in 1836 and opened in 1840
Location: Old Brompton Road in South West London
Size: 205,000 people buried on 39 acres
Architecture: Great Circle, the main thoroughfare, is said to be based on Piazza at St. Peter’s in Rome; includes domed chapel, colonnades, and catacombs
Famous inhabitants: Political activists and leader of the British suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst and shipping tycoon, Sir Samuel Cunard
Notable items of interest:

• Only Crown cemetery
• Close to 35,000 memorials
• Beatrix Potter took the names of many of her animal characters from the gravestones in Brompton, including one Peter Rabbett

Magnificent Seven - Abney Park

Part II of III

This week’s cemetery is the neglected, overgrown, and hauntingly beautiful Abney Park.

Cemetery: Abney Park Cemetery
Established: 1840
Location: Stoke Newington High Street in North East London
Size: 750,000 people buried on 32 acres
Architecture: Egyptian revival entryway; Gothic style Chapel
Famous inhabitants: Salvation Army founders, William and Catherine Booth
Notable items of interest:

• First non-denominational cemetery in London to house dissenters
• First non-denominational chapel in Europe
• First arboretum cemetery in London

Magnificent Seven - Kensal Green Cemetery

Part I of III

In preparation for my recent trip to London, I began researching 19th century cemeteries to explore and I stumbled on the Magnificent Seven. The Magnificent Seven refers to an 1832 bill that Parliament passed encouraging the creation of seven private cemeteries on the outskirts of London to help deal with the population swell and decline. Turns out, I have already been to one of the Magnificent Seven, Highgate Cemetery, which I wrote about in a previous post.

This trip, I explored three more of the Magnificent Seven. Over the next few posts, I will give a snapshot of each one. This week’s cemetery is Kensal Green, the first of London’s garden cemeteries.

Cemetery: Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery
Established: 1832
Location: Harrow Road in West London
Size: 75 acres
Architecture: Greek revival

Picture of the Moment - All Hallows’ Eve

Autumn day - Abney Park Cemetery in London

Cities of the Dead

Who finds the idea of visiting a cemetery an odd activity when exploring a new city?

Not me.

But based on reactions I received recently when I did just that, I get the impression that it isn’t for everyone.

“You went to a cemetery when you were in New Orleans? Why?” friend after friend inquired perplexed by this event.

Why indeed. Truth be told, I have a fascination with 18th and 19th century cemeteries. In particular, ones that have grand ornate above ground tombs, the more elaborate the better. I love strolling along the paths admiring the architecture and the stillness of these miniature cities. The unexpected beauty and serenity of these ancient burial grounds create an ideal atmosphere to reflect on life and clear my head. Cemeteries from this time also provide intriguing insight into the history of the city.

Here are three cemeteries that I recommend exploring.