A Visit to Nunhead Cemetery

Explore one of London's magnificent seven cemeteries.

Nunhead is the second largest of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London. It was opened by the London Cemetery Company and consecrated in 1840, with an Anglican chapel designed by Thomas Little. The lodges and monumental entrance were designed by James Bunstone Bunning.

By the middle of the 20th century the cemetery was nearly full, and so was abandoned by the Cemetery Company. With the ensuing neglect, the cemetery gradually changed from lawn to meadow and eventually to woodland. It is now a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance for wildlife. In the early 1980s the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery was formed to renovate and protect the cemetery, which was reopened in May 2001 after an extensive restoration project funded by Southwark Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Fifty of the most important memorials were restored along with the Anglican Chapel.

Meet at 1.00 pm at the flint circle just inside the Linden Grove entrance to the cemetery.

The tour will be led by a member of The Friends and will include access to the crypt of the Chapel, which is not normally open to the public.

FAQs

How do I get to the meeting point?

Buses P12, 78, 343 and 484 all have stops nearby.

The nearest British Rail Station is Nunhead, but Peckham Rye is served by more trains.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at events@victoriansociety.org.uk before the day of the event.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. You can show your ticket on your phone or tablet. We can also book you in by your name on our list of attendees.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes, that’s fine.

Image: C. G. P. Grey Creative Commons