London’s Cemeteries
by darren beach:
a portable must-have

This handy guide is exactly what you need
– whether you’re a tourist or Londoner,
into cemeteries, history or offbeat sightseeing!

london's cemeteries book guide — PHOTO: MARTA AMBROZEJ

I came across this cute little book in a Highgate Cemetery’s kiosk. With a list of 93 burial grounds, maps and all the useful details, it was exactly what I needed to keep track of my graveyard adventures! Working for years in a bookshop, I was no stranger to Metro Publications travel guides – they’re the best for uncovering the quirky side of London. Of course, I snagged it without hesitation!

author

Darren Beach is a freelance writer with a thing for London’s social history and the stories left by its former, long-forgotten residents. His love for burial grounds started at Highgate, then he explored the rest of the Magnificent Seven , as well as many of the less known ones. But there’s more! Darren is also a general knowledge and music trivia whiz! He won not one, but two quiz shows – Pointless and PopMaster. Total legend!

graphic design

The cover grabbed my attention, and the content didn’t disappoint! The book is well-designed, nicely organized and super readable. Trust me, it’s a very rare combo for this genre! Inside, you’ll find 10 awesome maps to guide you through cemeteries, marking the coolest graves. Plus, there are over 70 photos – perfect for visual learners like me!

Overview

This guide is a total gem – small enough to fit in your bag, but bursting with all the info you need to explore London’s top burial spots. It’s got a great introduction, as well as addresses, opening times and public transport info, plus a history of each spot. You’ll find reviews and lists of notable residents, too. Charming historical churchyards, majestic Victorian gardens of sleep, public cemeteries – they’re all in here! Well, at least they should be…

top highlights

it’s portable, readable, and packed with knowledge
editing is top-notch and easy on the eyes
bonus content – like the history of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries and a glossary of Victorian memorial symbols
list of useful resources, both online and in print

Favourite bits

The ‘Oddities’ section, with stuff about The Crossbones Graveyard or Hyde Park Pet Cemetery. I mean, I already knew about them, but it’s awesome to see them featured!

Slips and trips

I spotted a few errors. For example, the map of Kensal Green leaves out the adjoining St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, even though it shows the road behind it. Now I’m wondering what other sneaky mistakes might be hiding in there… Fingers crossed they’ll sort it out in the next edition!
While I get that the book needs to be concise, I feel that some locations are missing on details, such as interesting residents. Come on, there must be at least one person that’s worth mentioning!
It’s a bummer that my local gem, St Mary’s Willesden, isn’t included… Same as St John’s Wembley! Willesden New is included, but with hardly any info provided and only one interesting resident mentioned – but only from his name, nothing else. That’s just sooo wrong!

SUMMARY

If you’re into cemeteries or those off-the-beaten-path historical spots, this little book is your new bestie – whether you’re a tourist or a Londoner. If you’re a proper taphophile – beware, your cemetery bucket list will get a major upgrade! Handy and lightweight, it’s ideal for flipping through on a tube – and can you believe it’s just £10.99 for a whopping 280 pages of wonder? A bargain!

Do you know this book? Let me know what you think of it!

★★★★★