Magnificent Seven cemeteries
Walking through a cemetery feels a lot like walking round an art gallery to me, only you might need a brolly and you’re a bit more aware of your mortality. Depending on the art gallery. Both are contemplative places is what I’m trying to say.
I used to live near Highgate cemetery before moving to South London, which is as magical as you hear it is, especially if you like angels and Karl Marx. It’s one of London’s ‘Magnificant Seven’ Victorian graveyards, which were built in the 1800’s in response to overcrowding in small parish churchyards. Kensal Green was the first (1833) and then came West Norwood, Abney Park, Nunhead, Brompton and Tower Hamlets as well as Highgate. A few weeks ago I found myself in Nunhead for the first time. It’s considered the least impressive, but I was bowled over by the masonry and workmanship of the graves. We managed to join a quick tour of the crypt under the Anglican chapel – dark, dank, probably rodent-filled – before wandering around the grounds, which are part manicured, largely wild. The place is also a Nature Reserve. There are incredibly simple gravestones then amazingly grand mausoleums and the cemetery winds up to a bench overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral and the surrounding London skyline.
You can find out a lot more about Nunhead Cemetery here. I’m thinking of working my way around the five I haven’t seen yet. Morbid day-tripper that I am.
A fairly new blogger and I’ve seen a fee blogs but this was exquisite
Your SO right.
Unfortunately Australian cemeteries are not as.. Well beautiful.
I recently visited Austria again and omg
Did I see some cemetery- art there
There was even one for woman to
Go to to add a symbol like a rock or something when they had miscarried or had a stillbirth. A very good idea I think. That was the most beautiful gravestone art if ever seen. Simple yet art that was in constant flux and change. It’s was in a small cemetery in Bad Ischl where the kaiser of Austria went for spa and holidays.
Loved your photograph. Made me feel very peaceful indeed. Thanks for that
maisonmummy
Australia
Thanks for commenting and for letting us know of another great Cemetery. I think I’ve been to Bad Ischi before randomly. The London seven were inspired by the famous Paris Père Lachaise cemetery, which I’ve also yet to visit.
I always meant to get around to all seven, but have only (so far) made it to Highgate and West Norwood. It’s harder now that I’m not living in London anymore. Semi-related if you like this sort of thing is the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice in EC1 (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-gardens/visitor-information/Pages/Postman's-Park.aspx). Not a cemetery, but it evokes the same awareness of one’s own mortality!