Nunhead Cemetery

A tranquil and haunting experience

A cemetery may not be on the top of your list when visiting London, however the resting grounds for those who have past feature some of the most stunning architecture and scenery the capital has to offer as well as providing some tranquillity and a moment of reflection for those visiting the busy and bustling city.

Nunhead Cemetery is located in the south east corner of the city and forms part of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Victorian park-cemeteries that are spread out across London and include Kensal Green, Highgate, West Norwood, Abney Park, Nunhead, Brompton and Tower Hamlets cemeteries. Established in 1840 and set out across 52 acres of London, Nunhead cemetery was formed in response to the overcrowded churchyard cemeteries in the city in a bid to move burial grounds to the outskirts.

The site was deavily damaged during the bombings of WWII and was left in a state of disarray and decline for many years until locals managed to get hold of it and gain its status as a Local Nature Reserve. Opening its gates to the public again in 2001 and through the efforts of Friends of Nunhead Cemetery as well as the local council and residents, much of the cemetery has been restored to its former glories. However, a large part of it still remains wild and unkempt and adds to the charm and eeriness of the site.

If you’re looking for a moment of peace during the busy and crowded nature of London, be sure to pop by one of the Magnificent Seven where you will be able to take a moment and enjoy the local wildlife mingling with the concrete surroundings.

Jake Taylor

TripTide User