On our recent cruise I asked one of the guest presenters, Celia Heritage, from Ancestry Pro Genealogists for suggestions on an interesting cemetery to visit in London. Celia suggested Brompton Cemetery.
It just so happened that Brompton Cemetery's Open Day was scheduled during our post-cruise days in London. We were definitely meant to visit that cemetery! On Sunday 17th July, a hot day in London, a bus from near our hotel in Kensington dropped us at the cemetery gates.
As we had theatre tickets for a 3pm matinee in the West End we didn't have time to dawdle around the cemetery or do the tour of the catacombs but we managed to spend a few hours wandering around this historic site. Of course we took many photos. You may recognise the cemetery from the Rowan Atkinson film "Johnny English"
 |
| Organised by Friends of the Cemetery |
 |
| Impressive Entrance |
 |
| Crucifixes were in abundance |
 |
| While the plots around the main avenues were visible those in many areas were covered in weeds/natural vegetation. Apparently they receive annual maintenance. |
 |
| Catacombs in background |
 |
| A Simple Grave |
 |
| Military Man's Grave |
 |
| Grave of John Jackson, Prize Fighter |
 |
| Newer graves. Burial spaces are still available on this 39 acre site |
 |
| Vintage hearse on display |
 |
| There are many magnificent monuments |
 |
| Locals are encouraged to use the cemetery for recreation but are warned "Please do not feed the birds and animals, it causes more harm than good." |
 |
| Grave of Frederick Leyland, Ship Owner https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/brompton-cemetery/explore-brompton-cemetery/famous-graves-and-burials/frederick-leyland |
 |
| A peek inside the catacombs |
 |
| The Dome of the Chapel. Unfortunately there was an art exhibition in the chapel so we couldn't appreciate the architecture. |
 |
| Commonwealth War Graves area is mown. Thanks to CWGC? |
 |
| There is a number of impressive mausoleums scattered through the cemetery grounds |
 |
| A unique memorial |
 |
| Headstones among the trees |
 |
| Stalls along the majestic Central Avenue detracted from the atmosphere |