London / Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven Cemeteries of London
The name Magnificent Seven might raise certain associations with you (Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen included). In this context we refer to seven cemeteries. Boring? Well, stick with me.
In the 19th century cemeteries were mostly part of parishes, but with the growth of London these became too overcrowded. Inspired by Paris, architects like the eminent Sir Christopher Wren established seven cemeteries in the then suburban London: Kensal Green (1832), West Norwood (1836), Highgate (1839), Abney Park (1840), Nunhead (1840), Brompton (1840) and Tower Hamlets (1841) cemetery.
Today many of these cemeteries, such as Brompton, are in the middle of the urban area.
I recommend to visit at least one of these cemeteries. English cemeteries have a much more natural and "wild" look about them than cemeteries in other European countries like Germany and Austria. Most tourists would visit Highgate, which is indeed worth a visit, but Kensal Green and Abney Road cemeteries are highly recommended too.
Of the seven cemeteries I have as yet visited four: Highgate, Abney Park, Kensal Green and Brompton.
In the 19th century cemeteries were mostly part of parishes, but with the growth of London these became too overcrowded. Inspired by Paris, architects like the eminent Sir Christopher Wren established seven cemeteries in the then suburban London: Kensal Green (1832), West Norwood (1836), Highgate (1839), Abney Park (1840), Nunhead (1840), Brompton (1840) and Tower Hamlets (1841) cemetery.
Today many of these cemeteries, such as Brompton, are in the middle of the urban area.
I recommend to visit at least one of these cemeteries. English cemeteries have a much more natural and "wild" look about them than cemeteries in other European countries like Germany and Austria. Most tourists would visit Highgate, which is indeed worth a visit, but Kensal Green and Abney Road cemeteries are highly recommended too.
Of the seven cemeteries I have as yet visited four: Highgate, Abney Park, Kensal Green and Brompton.
