Highgate Cemetery

Landmark in Highgate
Highgate Cemetery image
Address
Swain's Lane, Highgate, Highgate, N6 6PJ
Telephone
020 8340 1834
Category
Landmarks
Region
Highgate
Nearest Station
Archway
0.58 miles

In the early nineteenth century a crisis hit London; there were too few sites in which to bury those who died. Parliament authorised the creation of seven cemeteries in and around the city. Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839. This main cemetery became known as the West cemetery after the creation of the East cemetery in 1854.

The West cemetery was closed in 1975 after it was no longer financially viable, whilst the newer East cemetery continued. Sadly many of the graves and memorials became overgrown and started to fall into disrepair. A group formed called the Friends of Highgate Cemetery to tackle the problem. Thanks to English Heritage and heavy campaigning the group was made solely responsible for the upkeep of Highgate Cemetery.

The site is now the kempt and dignified resting place it was intended to be. Celebrated artists and sculptors created individual sepulchres; Gilbert Scott used the mausoleum of Greek king Mausolus as the influence for the tomb of Julius Beer. Edward Jones created a piece called ‘Religion’; a seven foot marble female figure for the wife of Reverend Vaughn. The inventor of cinematography, William Friese-Green died without any money, but artist Lutyens paid tribute to him by creating a monument at Highgate, and of course there is Karl Marx himself (in the new part) his own grave almost ironically, so much grander than those of his followers who wanted to be buried near to him.

Though there is a small charge to get into both cemetaries the old one in particular is one of the most amazing sites you will visit. As visitor numbers are so tightly controlled, there is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful atmosphere as you wander the small paths through the ancient trees and woodland, amongst sprawling ivy. The guides that take you around have wonderful stories and anecdotes to tell, not least when you come across the aztec features in the centre. This really is worth a visit.

Highgate Cemetery Picture Gallery

Highgate Cemetery Picture

Best For

Great places for an unusual date picture

Great places for an unusual date

You'll leave your date wide-eyed and hungry for more

London has many romantic walks but Highgate Cemetery has got to be among the most moving and atmospheric. Take a guided tour of the West Side – the older and somewhat spookier side – where an expert will fill regale you with information and anecdotes as you wander through the flora and fauna.

Aaah! London's most romantic places picture

Aaah! London's most romantic places

Is love in the air? The let's get it onnnnn...

Forget Paris’ Pére Lachaise and head to Highgate Cemetery – our own celluloid worthy whereabouts for London’s whimsical. How could you fail to appreciate each other with romantic rambling around the cemetery? Hand holding beneath gothic arches and weeping willows? Just being together in the cemetery will make you feel alive!

Places to find some peace in London picture

Places to find some peace in London

in... London?

Now home to the spirit of Karl Marx, it seems that the tranquil surroundings of Highgate cemetery have mellowed his soul somewhat, for he seems much less belligerent now he's made his home here. The same seems to be the case for most of its strictly limited visitors, with the old cemetery in particular being an oasis of woodland greenery and serenity. Paths lead through the dense, ancient trees and woodland, as your feet dodge the sprawling ivy and your ears hear nothing but birdsong... peaceful bliss.

Things to Try

Visit Karl Marx’s grave picture

Visit Karl Marx’s grave

Stroll through the tranquil surroundings
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Take a tour of Highgate Cemetery picture

Take a tour of Highgate Cemetery

Actually one of London's most serene spaces
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Visit the Terrace Catacombs picture

Visit the Terrace Catacombs

The hidden depths of Highgate Cemetery
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