Abney Park Cemetery

After visiting Highgate Cemetery pictures here, here and here) last summer, we've been aiming to go to another of the 'magnificent seven', so couple of weeks ago we went to Abney Park Cemetery in Hackney.

It may seem like a morbid day trip, but we try to be respectful we we visit. Also they are peaceful places, full of unique Victorian architecture. Abney, is more understated than Highgate, it doesn't have as many famous name.

For more pictures see under the jump:-

 

 Abney is free to enter (unlike Highgate) and has monthly guided tours. Unfortunately we didn't time it right to go on the tour, so we had to rack our brains to try and remember what we'd learnt about symbolism from our Highgate tour.

East London suffered a lot of losses during the Blitz, this memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives nearby in the bombing. I've never seen a memorial like this before, and was very touched, the list includes the names of whole families and street names.

 This grave belongs to William Fredrick Tyler, who died whist on duty as a metropolitan police officer. A statue of his folded uniform is both fitting and touching.

Above ground burials and elaborate mausoleums are less common in Abney compared to Highgate. though this cross was impressive.

Abney was a burial ground for non-conformists and Dissenters (people who practice their religion outside the established church). Notable people buried there include the founders of the salvation army.
 

The chapel is currently undergoing restoration work and is in bad disrepair.   

A couple of things you may want to be aware of if you planning a visit- wear sensible shoes, we went there had been a lot of rain and the ground was very muddy and slippery. Also, a number of homeless people go to the park to drink, and they can be intimidating on occasion. 

If you're in the area, I recommend you also visit Sutton House a national trust property that was owned by a courtier of Henry VIII.