Highgate Cemetery is one of the most fascinating places in London where, along with 170.000 other Londoners, Karl Marx, George Michael and George Eliot are buried. One of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries set up on what was then the outskirts of London in the face of a surging population the architecture of Highgate Cemetery was a source of wonder and delight from its earliest days. As well as fulfilling a practical purpose, its buildings and landscape had to tempt families away from burial in their local churchyards by providing a dignified and prestigious environment.
Perched on a hill above the smoke and filth of the city, Highgate Cemetery soon became a fashionable place for burials and was much admired and visited. The Victorian romantic attitude to death and its presentation led to the creation of a labyrinth of Egyptian sepulchres and a wealth of Gothic tombs and buildings. The rows of silent stone angels have born witness to pomp and ceremony as well as to some dreadful exhumations. There at least 850 notable people buried at Highgate including 18 Royal Academicians, 6 Lord Mayors of London and 48 Fellows of the Royal Society, poets, painters, princes and paupers.
Today the cemetery’s grounds are full of mature trees, shrubbery and wildflowers that provide a haven for birds and small animals. The Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon (topped by a huge Cedar of Lebanon) feature tombs, vaults and winding paths through the hillside. For its protection, the oldest West Cemetery, with its impressive collection of Victorian mausoleums and gravestones plus elaborately carved tombs, only allows admission to official tour groups and we’ll enjoy a 70-minute guided tour of this section. The newer East Section, which contains most of the angel statuary, can be toured unescorted and there will be free time to browse independently.
Before our visit to Highgate we’ll enjoy a two-course Fish and Chip Lunch with tea and coffee. Please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
NB: Please note there is uneven ground and steep pathways which are muddy at times making the trip unsuitable for some customers with mobility issues. Please wear appropriate footwear.