During the 1830s and 1840s eight private cemeteries were created in an attempt to solve the problem of overcrowding in Victorian London's churchyards.
This was brought about by a number of factors that included the rapidly increasing rates in birth and mortality and a migration of people from rural areas to the city, due, in part, to the Industrial Revolution.
In 1831 London suffered a cholera epidemic and public health became a major issue. It was believed that poisonous vapours from decomposing bodies was a factor in the outbreak of both cholera and typhoid.
As churchyards became full graves were dug at a depth of just 3 feet (1 metre) and, within a few months, were used again.
'Resurrection Men' were another problem. These Resurrectionists would raid cemeteries in order to snatch a body, which would then be sold to hospitals for medical students to dissect. These body snatchers would select a grave and then dig a hole at the head end. They then broke the coffin and, using a rope, dragged out the body, thus not having to do a full excavation. They were also careful not to take any jewellery or clothes, as this would result in more serious charges, punishable by transportation to the colonies. Bodies belonged to no one, so their removal was a far less serious charge.
Such was the proliferation of 'body snatching' that Watch Houses were built, besides graveyards, and were manned by armed watchmen.
In 1832 an Act was passed by Parliament that encouraged the construction of private cemeteries outside central London.
Between 1833 and 1845 eight garden cemeteries were established, four of which were consecrated by the Bishop of London, Charles James Blomfield.
According to census records London's population was one million, in 1801, but had doubled to two million by 1841. At this point London had a death rate of over 45,000 people a year, or 125 people a day.
In 1981 Hugh Meller, an architectural historian, dubbed the surviving group of cemeteries 'The Magnificent Seven', after the movie of the same name.
Each of these cemeteries is unique, making them all worthy of a visit.
Kensal Green Cemetery (General Cemetery of All Souls)
Opened 1833, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and founded by George Frederick Carden, a barrister.
The main buildings were designed in the Greek Revival style, by John Griffith, and it originally covered an area of 54 acres, which was later increased to 72 acres.
It is still in operation.
Kensal Green
West Norwood Cemetery (South Metropolitan Cemetery)
Opened 1837, in the London Borough of Lambeth.
The main buildings were designed in the Gothic style, by Sir William Tite and covers an area of 40 acres.
In 1966 it was purchased by Lambeth Council who run it with the Diocese of Southwark.
It is still in operation, partially.
West Norwood
Highgate Cemetery
Opened 1839 (west) 1860 (east), in the London Borough of Camden.
Architect Stephen Geary chose this site for its views over London, which had once been the grounds of Ashurst House but now had St Michael's Church built on it in 1832.
Stephen Geary was assisted by David Ramsay, a nurseryman, in making Highgate the most beautiful and popular cemetery of its time.
It is still in operation.
Highgate
Abney Park Cemetery
Opened 1840, in the London Borough of Hackney.
Situated in the grounds of Abney House, once home to Isaac Watts, this cemetery was left unconsecrated, making it a popular burial ground for Dissenters, especially after Bunhill Fields closed to burials.
The chapel was the first non-denominational cemetery chapel in Europe.
In 1979 the London Borough of Hackney took ownership of the site.
It is still in operation.
Abney Park
Brompton Cemetery (West of London and Westminster Cemetery)
Opened 1840, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Stephen Geary was the original architect, but he was replaced by Benjamin Baud who designed a more formal layout, including the central avenue and domed chapel.
It is the only Crown Cemetery and is managed by The Royal Parks.
It is still in operation.
Brompton
Nunhead Cemetery (All Saints' Cemetery)
Opened 1840, in the London Borough of Southwark.
Built on a hill, with views over London, it was designed by architect James Bunstone Bunning, who had replaced Stephen Geary.
In 1976 it was purchased after it was allowed to fall into neglect by its owners United Cemeteries Limited, who were looking to build on some of the land.
It is still in operation.
Nunhead
Tower Hamlets Cemetery (City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery) (Bow Cemetery)
Opened 1841 (closed in 1966), in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Many of the burials here were made in common graves. In 1966 it closed, when the Greater London Council bought it, with the intention of turning it into a park. Many of the monuments and trees were removed, but, following a public outcry, it became a nature reserves and urban woodland.
It is no longer in operation.
Tower Hamlets
Victoria Park Cemetery
Opened in 1845 (closed in 1876), in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
This was the last of the eight garden cemeteries, but was the first to close.
Following its closure the monuments were cleared and it was turned into a public park, opening in 1894.
It is now called Meath Gardens, with only its original archway, inscribed with 'VPC', giving any hint to its original purpose. I wonder how many people use this park, without realising what lies beneath?
Meath Gardens
