What Is the Biggest Cemetery in London?

By Alice Nichols

London is a city steeped in history and culture, and with that comes a rich heritage of cemeteries. As the final resting place for many of London’s most notable figures, it’s no wonder that London has several prominent cemeteries. But which one is the biggest?

The answer is the Brookwood Cemetery, also known as the London Necropolis. Located in Woking, Surrey, just over 20 miles southwest of London, Brookwood Cemetery covers an impressive 500 acres and is the largest cemetery in all of London.

History

Brookwood Cemetery was established in 1852 by the London Necropolis Company to provide a final resting place for Londoners who had passed away during a time when churchyards were becoming overcrowded. The cemetery was designed by architect William Tite and landscaped by William Andrews Nesfield.

It was originally intended to be used by people of all religions and social classes but soon became popular among non-conformists such as Quakers, Jews, and Muslims who were not allowed to be buried in traditional churchyards.

Layout

The cemetery is divided into two sections – the Nonconformist section and the Anglican section. The Nonconformist section is further divided into sections for different religious groups such as Jews, Muslims, and Hindus.

There are also separate areas within the cemetery set aside for soldiers who died during both World War I and World War II. In total, there are over 200 military graves at Brookwood Cemetery.

Notable Burials

Brookwood Cemetery has been the final resting place for many notable figures throughout its history. Some of these include:

  • William John Bankes – explorer and Egyptologist
  • Betty Boothroyd – former Speaker of the House of Commons
  • John Singer Sargent – American artist
  • Sir Henry Tate – founder of the Tate Gallery
  • William Terriss – actor

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brookwood Cemetery is not only the biggest cemetery in London but also a significant part of the city’s history. With its impressive size and notable burials, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in London’s rich cultural heritage.