Kensal Green Cemetery

Originally the Londoners used to bury their deceased in the churchyards. However, these became overcrowded during the years and burial grounds were established by the parishes of inner London. However, these too became packed with bodies and soon were a danger to the health of the neighbourhoods surrounding them. 

In 1824 a campaign was started to remove the graveyards to places where they would cause less problems for the health of people living in their neighbourhood. A petition was presented to the House Of Commons in 1830 and between 1837 and 1841 Parliament authorised the establishment of seven commercial cemeteries outside the residential areas. These were the cemeteries of Kensal Green, Highgate, West Norwood, Abney Park, Nunhead, Tower Hamlets and Brompton.

A cemetery is maybe not the nicest place to go and spend a day out during your holidays in London. However, I think that you can gather a lot of historical information from them. You can see the division between the rich and the poor, how people regarded death and how they worshipped their deceased loved ones. You will see catacombs next to simple plain graves and so on.

Kensal Green Cemetery was the first of the earlier mentioned seven to be opened. In 1831 land was  bought south of Harrow Road and a prize was announced for the best designs for a chapel and the entrance gates. The prize was won by H.E. Kendall, but the Chairman of the General Cemetery Company overruled the design and urged for a Greek Revival plan.

From the entrance three roads lead into the cemetery, leading north, south and central. The central road leads towards the Anglican Chapel and catacombs. But you will find catacombs all over the cemetery. In the chapel you will also find a statue to remember the destruction of part of the cemetery by bombs during World War II.

Please visit the website of the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery for more information.