Buried histories

From Highgate to Greyfriars Kirkyard, discover cemeteries of monumental beauty, grandeur and charm

- ZOE WEST

Spending an afternoon in a cemetery may seem unusual. Yet more and more visitors are discovering that these grand, historic settings brim with stories and artistry, where Victorian mausoleums, intricate statues and headstones honour both the famous and the overlooked. Often best explored with guides, these evocative graveyards trace changing burial traditions and enduring design – preserving the identities of the surrounding communities. Here, we highlight some of the UK's most celebrated historic sites.

Brompton Cemetery

London

This is one of London's most famous resting places. With a stunning domed chapel, sweeping avenues and the Great Circle - a popular place for Victorians to walk and picnic - this isn't just a burial ground, but a nature and wildlife refuge, and a significant site for its beautiful catacombs, impressive statues and Grade IIlisted tombs. Beneath its ancient trees lie over 200,000 people: ordinary Londoners and more famous folk, including suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, arts patron Frederick Leyland and Dr John Snow, who traced the cause of cholera to contaminated water.

Today, Brompton thrives as a peaceful oasis, with wildflowers, birds and mature trees offering a reflective retreat and a delightful amble. The Friends of Brompton Cemetery offer a range of general and specialised tours.

* brompton-cemetery.org.uk