The area of Greater London in England is the biggest metropolis in the whole of Europe covering an enormous area of over six hundred square miles. Throughout the city are numerous world class tourist attractions such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye and, of course, Buckingham Palace and other places associated with the British Royal Family. However, dig a little deeper and you will find a number of not so well known places well worth visiting.
One of the most incredible places in London to visit that is not too widely known is the eerie Highgate Cemetery. The cemetery would fit the bill perfectly as a location for the shooting of a Hollywood gothic horror story with it’s Victorian splendor now aged beautifully and rather overgrown. Covering an area of around 37 acres Highgate Cemetery has a number of noteworthy graves with amazing obelisks, vaults, mausoleums and catacombs. Amongst the most famous grave monuments is that of Karl Marx.
Known as the ‘Father of Communism’ Karl Marx is one of the most highly respected persons in the communist movement. He had moved to London in 1849 and when he died, in 1883, he was buried in the family plot which was a pretty simple affair. In celebration of his importance the Communist Party of Great Britain commissioned an incredible monument which was presented to the public in 1954. Although many were pleased some folk felt that his original was more suitable and some radicals even tried to blow it up in 1970.
Of course you will also find many other graves belonging to famous people of the past including that of a once famous bare knuckle fighter called Tom Sayers. Charles Dickens’ family grave can also be found at Highgate and other famous graves include those of; George Eliot, J. W. Cross, C. H. Newton, Michael Faraday, Julius Beer, Christina Rossetti, G. Wombwell, Dr S.Birch, James Selby, John Lobb and six former Lord Mayors of London.
One of the things that are brought to mind when we think of the Victorian period is the way in which they built lavish buildings which are most evident in the incredible Victorian public buildings which remain in use today. The styles of their creations were heavily influenced by those found throughout the British Empire. In the mid nineteenth century London was in great need of burial grounds and seven cemeteries where built. The Victorian attitude to design was extended to these graveyards which became known as the “magnificent Seven” with Highgate being the most fantastical.
Successful Victorians liked to display their wealth and success even in death. One of the most amazing parts of Highgate Cemetery is the area which includes the much photographed Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon, both of which contain numerous mausoleums. Once through the Egyptian Avenue you arrive at the Circle of Lebanon which is two circles of mausoleums arranged around an ancient Lebanon cedar tree.
One of the most exciting aspects of exploring Highgate is suddenly seeing an incredible statue appear amongst the overgrown bushes and vines. Throughout the cemetery there are many examples of the most incredible memorial sculptures which include representations of the usual religious subjects and even family pets. Of special note is the grave of the famous coachman James Selby which is well worth searching for.
I have purposely been rather vague in some of the descriptions as I would not like to spoil the experience. It really is thrilling to discover something wonderful about stumbling upon something outstanding of which you were totally unaware. Of all the places to visit in London I strongly suggest that you make the effort to visit Highgate Cemetery. Even though it is not one of the top London tourist attractions it does get rather busy but to understand fully why you will have to visit it yourself.
