Kensal Green cemetery
The Most Magnificent of the Seven?
On a random walk in Kensal Green I found this incredible hidden gem, and surely it is a gem! But first of all I have to mention the history of this incredible place. During the first part of the 19th century, the population of London went from 1 million to 2.3 million and the small church cemeteries were quickly engorged with graves. Between 1832 and 1841, seven huge cemeteries were installed outside the centre of London to accommodate the overpopulation of these burial areas. Kensal Green Cemetery opened in 1833 and was the first commercial cemetery in London housing more than 65,000 graves.
I decided to explore this place and was amazed by its size and beauty and the fact that it is almost deserted (by the living). I was in a desert of thousands of beautiful tombs and mausoleums, mostly gothic, surrounded by wild flowers, grass and trees, completely invaded by the vegetation. This place is a natural phenomenon with loads of wildlife - getting lost here was a real pleasure.
Everything is mysterious and beautiful here - with a fascinating atmosphere contrasting the stark differences between life and death in this place. During my exploration I noticed a gigantic rusty steel superstructure, very surreal and I asked local runner what was this - he told me it was a giant gas shelter that was abandoned in the sixties. I finished my adventure by walking through a big avenue surrounded by incredible, eccentric mausoleums. The gothic architecture of many of the mausoleums is fascinating.
Unlike any other cemetery Kensal Green has something very special; the architecture is amazing and the green spaces are marvellous. With all his wildlife it's a living place with a poetic contrast between life and death. A totally compelling and peaceful place, perfect for a walk and reflection.
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