Summer in the Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery - the most peaceful place in London?
Brian Glover, Emmeline Pankhurst and inventor of self-help Samuel Smiles are buried there, as was Sioux Indian chief Long Wolf, who was involved in the defeat of Custer, until his remains were finally taken home in 1997.
Not to mention many other less famous inhabitants with such splendid names as W. Ornigsby Kettle. Collecting names is a good reason to go looking at graves: I seem to remember all the original EastEnders characters were named from Hackney tombstones, and Beatrix Potter reputedly took the names of her animal characters from those on the gravestones in Brompton - including a Peter Rabbett.
Comments
Great photos. Kensal Green is also good for a slightly more urban London cemetery experience - loomed over by a huge gasometer, from what I remember, but with lots of famous people's graves like Charles Babbage and Wilkie Collins.
Posted by: Emma | May 10, 2008 11:37 AM
These are beautiful. This is my favourite time of year, when everything is still fresh and there are so many flowers out. Cemeteries seem to be the best bet for Londoners who want to find a bit of rural peace. I went to Highgate Cemetery last week, and it was lovely, with loads of butterflies and birdsong. I posted some pictures of it here, if you're interested.
http://fuchsoid.livejournal.com/304327.html
Posted by: fuchsoid | May 10, 2008 10:24 AM