Bunhill Fields Cemetery
Founded: 1665
Owner: City of London
Acreage: 5
Location: Map - 38 City Road, EC1
Phone: 020 8472 3584
Fax: 020 8475 0893
Travel:
Old Street Railway Station [MAP] 3 minute walk to the North
Old Street Underground [MAP] 3 minute walk to the North
Moorgate Underground [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Moorgate Railway Station [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Liverpool Street Railway Station [MAP] 10 minute walk to the South East
Parking:
Clere Street NCP [MAP] 2 minute walk to the East
Paul Street NCP [MAP] 4 minute walk to the North East
Finsbury Square NCP [MAP] 4 minute walk to the South
Great Eastern Street NCP [MAP] 7 minute walk to the East
Barbican Centre 22 NCP [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Owner: City of London
Acreage: 5
Location: Map - 38 City Road, EC1
Phone: 020 8472 3584
Fax: 020 8475 0893
Travel:
Old Street Railway Station [MAP] 3 minute walk to the North
Old Street Underground [MAP] 3 minute walk to the North
Moorgate Underground [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Moorgate Railway Station [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Liverpool Street Railway Station [MAP] 10 minute walk to the South East
Parking:
Clere Street NCP [MAP] 2 minute walk to the East
Paul Street NCP [MAP] 4 minute walk to the North East
Finsbury Square NCP [MAP] 4 minute walk to the South
Great Eastern Street NCP [MAP] 7 minute walk to the East
Barbican Centre 22 NCP [MAP] 9 minute walk to the South West
Bunhill Fields Cemetery - my first visit
It was a last minute decision to go to Bunhill Fields. I had been in London all day, I had a cold, and I felt pretty awful. However, I had my camera with me, I knew it was small, and I knew I could get there and home quite easily.
What's interesting about Bunhill Fields is that it is the only cemetery still within the boundaries of the City of London; this is even more interesting when you understand that this is a non-conformist's cemetery.
I don't think that I was prepared for how inaccessible the cemetery is - and to gain decent shots you need to use a zoom/ telephoto lens. All of the burial areas are cordoned off with padlocked gates, meaning that you are unable to get close to the stones and tombs. I understand that you can contact the cemetery and ask to gain access, and this is something I'm hoping to do soon as a friend of mine has relatives buried there.
However, you can access John Bunyan's tomb:
and the infamous tomb of Dame Mary Page which has an epitaph that reads:
"Here lies Dame Mary Page relict of Sir Gregory Page Bert. She departed this life March 11th 1728 in teh 56th year of her age. In 67 months she was tap'd 66 times had taken away 240 gallons of water without ever repining at her case or ever fearing the operation."
I didn't get many photos on my visit - so be rest assured that I will be going back.
However, here is the marker of probably the most photographed stone in the ground; the skulls are striking against the innocence of the cherub in the middle!
Other markers of interest:
What's interesting about Bunhill Fields is that it is the only cemetery still within the boundaries of the City of London; this is even more interesting when you understand that this is a non-conformist's cemetery.
I don't think that I was prepared for how inaccessible the cemetery is - and to gain decent shots you need to use a zoom/ telephoto lens. All of the burial areas are cordoned off with padlocked gates, meaning that you are unable to get close to the stones and tombs. I understand that you can contact the cemetery and ask to gain access, and this is something I'm hoping to do soon as a friend of mine has relatives buried there.
However, you can access John Bunyan's tomb:
and the infamous tomb of Dame Mary Page which has an epitaph that reads:
"Here lies Dame Mary Page relict of Sir Gregory Page Bert. She departed this life March 11th 1728 in teh 56th year of her age. In 67 months she was tap'd 66 times had taken away 240 gallons of water without ever repining at her case or ever fearing the operation."
I didn't get many photos on my visit - so be rest assured that I will be going back.
However, here is the marker of probably the most photographed stone in the ground; the skulls are striking against the innocence of the cherub in the middle!
Other markers of interest:
Links - more information about Bunhill Fields Cemetery
Bunhill Fields' history is well documented; therefore it would be pointless for me to rehash it all for you. If you are interested visit the links below:
City of London Site - Bunhill Fields is owned by the City of London. Here is their page on the cemetery
Wikipedia - as ever, a comprehensive history of Bunhill Fields plus links to notable graves
Non-conformist Church History - a selection of photos and writings about the cemetery
City of London Site - Bunhill Fields is owned by the City of London. Here is their page on the cemetery
Wikipedia - as ever, a comprehensive history of Bunhill Fields plus links to notable graves
Non-conformist Church History - a selection of photos and writings about the cemetery
