Symbols of the Victorian Cemetery

Symbols of the Victorian Cemetery - Caroline Swan explores the symbolism found in one of London's Victorian cemeteries.

This event will take place via Zoom, with details emailed to all attendees nearer the event.

If you've ever wandered around an old cemetery and been curious about the different types of gravestone designs and the symbols shown on them, this is the talk for you!

The Victorian period (1837-1901) saw a major shift in the types of symbols used on gravestones compared to earlier periods, with influences from the ancient, medieval and contemporary worlds combining to create a rich language of mourning and remembrance. Some symbols are clear in their meanings, others are less obvious; some are overtly religious, while others are secular.

Join Caroline Swan on a virtual and fully-illustrated walk around Nunhead Cemetery in south London, one of London's 'Magnificent Seven' Victorian cemeteries, to learn about the symbols and designs used on graves there, and how they were part of the broader Victorian beliefs and culture around death and mourning.

Each ticket includes a donation to the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery.