London Necropolis | City of the dead

KENSAL GREEN CEMETERY

Kensal Green Cemetery was the first cemetery to be built by The London Cemeteries Company.

It's magnificent avenues of sculptures are a delight for the avid taphophile. I have photographed this cemetery extensively; for many reasons. Firstly, it is my favourite London Cemetery - it has the most unusual sculptures and is also a joy to walk around.
Secondly I am involved in an exhibition there - where 10-12 of my photographs will be exhibited. If you are interested:

By Way of Kensal Green ...

You can view my photographs here. Obviously this isn't all of them, and the page will be added to as time goes on (I also didn't want to put all the photos that are to be exhibited on here). My experiences of Kensal Green Cemetery can be read here.

Norwood Cemetery (also known as West Norwood Cemetery or South Metropolitan)

A beautiful cemetery which boasts a stunning 'Greek Section' [the photograph to the left is taken within this part of the cemetery].

I still have not explored the whole of the cemetery, and hope to return to try and capture some more shots - as with most of the cemeteries - visits are often curtailed when I come across a funeral taking place. Out of respect for the mourners I put my camera away and leave.
Photographs can be viewed here.
Words are here.

Brompton Cemetery

Brompton Cemetery is unusual in the fact that it is very near the 'hub' of the city. It has some stunning sculptures - but please be careful if you are a lone female - the cemetery tends to be frequented by some 'odd' characters who can be quite unnerving.
I have a return visit planned for the summer, all of the photos here were taken with a Canon A95, compact camera. I hope to return to get some better shots.

Photographs of Brompton Cemetery can be found here.
Words can be found here.

Highgate Cemetery

Probably the most famous of the London Cemeteries. Highgate Cemetery has very stringent photography rules, photos are only allowed for private use. I contacted the Friends of Highgate Cemetery regarding London Necropolis - and requesting permission to post my photos (12 June 2007); you can see the letter here.

So far I've had no response to this nor a follow up letter - therefore I've decided to post my photos. However they will not be available for purchase as prints.

Nunhead Cemetery

If you wish to visit two of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in one day, you can, quite easily, visit Norwood and Nunhead. Although you will need a car!

Nunhead is lacking in any sculptures of outstanding beauty, but is beautiful to walk around. Extremely peaceful with stunning views of South/ East London - this cemetery is definitely worth a visit. It is also home of the London Necropolis Angel Logo [left] - so it holds a special place in my heart purely for that reason.

Nunhead photographs here.
Words about Nunhead Cemetery here.

Abney Park Cemetery

I didn't get to see the whole of Abney Park Cemetery when we visited, unfortunately, the weather was against us (as it often is!) - however - I feel that through the small chinks of light that emerged on this dull and over cast day, I managed to capture some of the beauty of this overgrown cemetery. Please also take time to visit the cemeteries website here.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery

I'm still to visit this one - this cemetery appears to be given over more to the wildlife than preservation of stones - but again, hopefully this will be visited this summer. View the Friends of Tower Hamlets site here.