Discover Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park in London
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park in London is situated in the heart of Mile End. It was established as one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries and is often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts like Highgate Cemetery or Kensal Green Cemetery. In recent years, this historic park-cemetery has been transformed from a Victorian burial ground into a local nature reserve with a wealth of activities, trails, and educational programs for all ages. Therefore, despite being overshadowed, it should not be underestimated, as there is still a lot to discover at this hidden gem in London.
History of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
The Birth of the "Magnificent Seven"
In the early 19th century, London's rapid expansion brought about pressing public health concerns. Overcrowded churchyards in central London were unable to accommodate the rising death toll brought on by industrial growth and the movement of people into the city.
To alleviate these issues, seven large cemeteries were planned on London’s outskirts between 1832 and 1841. These "Magnificent Seven" cemeteries, including Tower Hamlets Cemetery, provided much-needed burial space while also keeping burial grounds away from densely populated areas.
> Learn more about London's 19th century expansion issues here: Crossness Pumping Station.
The Founding of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Officially opened in 1841, Tower Hamlets Cemetery was initially known as The City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery, though it was often referred to as Bow Cemetery by locals. The cemetery was established as a privately owned venture, managed by a board of directors from the booming industries of the day, such as shipbuilding and grain trading. Built on a 27-acre plot, the cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of London, and the first burial took place on the same day it opened.
Inspired by the garden cemetery movement, the landscape of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park was designed by architects Thomas Wyatt and David Brandon. They created a lush, green sanctuary featuring a variety of trees, shrubs, and winding paths that invite exploration. While the original buildings, including two chapels and a lodge, were lost to time, the Grade II-listed boundary walls still frame the park’s natural beauty and historic significance.
A Place of Mass Burials
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park quickly became one of the busiest burial grounds in London, reaching close to 250,000 interments by 1885. Many of these burials were “public burials,” where the cemetery company absorbed the costs for those unable to afford a private plot.
Over the years, layers of graves were created, with some reported to hold as many as 30 or 40 individuals stacked within a single plot. This practice, combined with wartime bombings during World War II, left the cemetery in disrepair by the late 20th century.
Decline and Abandonment
By the 1960s, Tower Hamlets Cemetery had fallen into decline. Burial plots were increasingly scarce, and the cemetery itself faced financial challenges, leading to neglect and overgrowth.
In 1966, it was closed to new burials, coming under the ownership of the Greater London Council until the borough of Tower Hamlets assumed responsibility. Maintenance became sporadic, and the once-manicured cemetery turned into a largely overgrown and wild space.
Transformation into a Nature Reserve
In 1986, Tower Hamlets Cemetery was declared a Local Nature Reserve, formally recognizing its ecological significance. Local conservationists and environmentalists began efforts to restore and manage the space, clearing pathways and planting native species. This transformation not only preserved the cemetery as a historical site but also created an area of parkland for residents of East London.
The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
In 1990, a dedicated group known as the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park took on the task of preserving this historic site, transforming it into a cherished local nature reserve. The park was officially designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and now stands as a testament to Victorian London’s heritage and the natural world’s resilience.
Conservation efforts by the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park include habitat restoration, species monitoring, and educational outreach.
- Ongoing Restoration Projects: Projects focus on enhancing natural habitats and creating more accessible green spaces for all visitors.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community members are encouraged to participate in conservation activities, from tree planting to wildlife monitoring, allowing people to contribute directly to the park’s future.
Who was Buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park?
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park had over 350,000 interments. The cemetery is the final resting place for a diverse population, from everyday residents of East London to notable historical figures. Here are some of the most prominent burials:
Alfred Linnell
One of the most significant funerals held at Tower Hamlets Cemetery was for Alfred Linnell in 1887. His passing came after a confrontation with mounted police during a protest in Trafalgar Square.
Linnell’s funeral, attended by tens of thousands, symbolised a powerful protest against government repression, with prominent socialist and designer William Morris speaking at his procession.
Alec Hurley
Victorian music hall singer Alexander "Alec" Hurley, a performer known for his "coster" songs that celebrated Cockney culture, is also buried at Tower Hamlets. Hurley, a beloved figure in London’s entertainment scene, was married to renowned singer Marie Lloyd.
Clara Grant
Pioneering social reformer Clara Grant, who dedicated her life to improving the lives of impoverished children, found her final resting place here. Grant’s work, which included creating educational opportunities and support for vulnerable youth, left a lasting impact on social policy.
Charlie Brown
Celebrated publican Charlie Brown, owner of the famous Limehouse pub "Charlie Brown's," is another local legend buried here. Known for his generous spirit and colourful personality, Brown’s funeral in 1932 drew an estimated 16,000 mourners.
Major John Buckley VC
One of the early recipients of the Victoria Cross, Major John Buckley, is also buried here. Buckley received the honour for his bravery during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 but later lived in relative poverty. His unmarked grave was finally honoured with a headstone in 2014, recognizing his courage and contribution to British military history.
Graves of Unique Historical Figures
Other notable graves include those of John "White Hat" Willis, linked to the famous Cutty Sark, and Zilpha Elaw, an African-American preacher whose life as a spiritual writer and pioneer highlights the cemetery's multicultural heritage. The presence of graves for French workers and Carthusian monks reflects the diversity of Tower Hamlets.
Memorials in Tower Hamlets Cemetery
The cemetery is also home to many memorials, preserving stories from different eras and communities.
Thomas Barnardo’s Memorial to Lost Children
An impactful memorial stands in the cemetery commemorating the lives of over 500 children who died in the care of Dr. Thomas Barnardo's orphanages. Installed in 2016, this monument honours these young lives, many of whom were buried in public graves within the park between 1876 and 1924.
War Memorial and Commonwealth Graves
Close to the Southern Grove entrance, the War Memorial honours the 279 Commonwealth soldiers buried in the cemetery who served in both World Wars. Their names are engraved on bronze panels, including nine British merchant seamen who perished in 1940 during an air raid.
The Blitz Memorial
Composed of bricks salvaged from buildings destroyed in the Blitz, this striking monument pays homage to the East End residents who lost their lives in World War II. The Blitz Memorial stands as a sombre reminder of the community’s resilience during one of London’s most challenging times.
Things to do at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Activities and Community Programs
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park hosts an array of activities designed to connect people with nature and foster a sense of community. These programs cater to all ages, encouraging creative engagement and environmental stewardship.
- Arts and Crafts Workshops: Hands-on workshops allow participants to create crafts inspired by the natural world, helping people appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity.
- Guided Nature Walks: Regularly organised tours offer insights into the park’s history, flora, and fauna, providing a deeper understanding of this unique space.
- Nature and Us Project: From summer 2018 through 2019, the "Nature and Us" initiative encouraged residents of nearby neighbourhoods to engage with nature, fostering environmental awareness and skills through activities like bat walks, plant identification, and conservation training. Open to individuals and community groups alike, this project made the park an accessible learning ground for everyone.
Wildlife Exploration for Kids: Bow Beasties Club
The Bow Beasties Club is a monthly wildlife session for families, where children can experience the changing seasons and local wildlife up close. Held every third Sunday (excluding August), these sessions feature activities like bug hunts, pond dipping, and bird watching. Each session is designed for children aged 3 to 12 and encourages young ones to interact with nature through engaging activities.
- Activities Schedule: Each month brings a new adventure. From February’s egg-box treasure hunts to December’s festive wreath-making, Bow Beasties offers an ever-changing roster of activities that introduce children to environmental care.
- Learning Through Fun: Led by experienced, certified instructors, these sessions are a favourite among families looking for outdoor learning opportunities, where kids can gain respect for nature through hands-on experiences.
Birthday Parties
For a truly memorable celebration, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park runs nature-themed birthday parties. These parties provide children with an outdoor adventure filled with activities like bug hunting, den building, and exploring the park’s natural wonders. Guided by the park’s knowledgeable staff, these parties are ideal for young nature enthusiasts.
It is also possible to enjoy a more private, low-key birthday affair such as a picnic. While the park encourages enjoyment of its natural beauty, open flames, barbecues, and fires require prior permission and appropriate safety assessments from the park staff.
> For other Birthday Party Ideas in London, click here: 22 Wild Birthday Ideas in London (You Haven’t Already Thought Of).
Forest School
The Forest School at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park allows children to develop essential outdoor skills while engaging with the natural environment. Programs include building shelters, practising fire safety, and identifying local wildlife, all within the park’s lush greenery.
- Educational and Fun Activities: Sessions include bushcraft, wildlife observation, and science-based explorations. Each session is led by certified Forest School practitioners who guide children through a range of hands-on learning experiences.
- Program Details: Held during school holidays, Forest School sessions are available for children aged 6-11, making them accessible to young adventurers and budding scientists alike.
Wildlife and Species Recording
With over 1,100 recorded species, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a biodiversity haven. The park’s staff and volunteers maintain records, documenting the variety of insects, birds, and plants that inhabit the park. This ongoing effort to catalogue species helps preserve the park’s ecological richness and supports conservation research.
- Insects and Invertebrates: The park is home to an impressive array of species, including 58 types of bees, 167 spider species, and 470 beetles. These species thrive in the park’s varied habitats, from open meadows to shaded groves.
- Birds: Enthusiasts can spot over 89 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Frequent sightings include urban favourites and rarer visitors, adding to the park’s vibrant ecosystem.
- Flora and Fauna Records: These comprehensive records, including fungi, mosses, and bryophytes, reflect the park’s dedication to preserving its ecological diversity.
Foraging in the Park
For those interested in foraging, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park allows limited and responsible gathering of plants for personal use. Prospective foragers must request permission, ensuring that all harvesting is sustainable and minimally invasive. The park’s guidelines emphasise respect for the environment, prohibiting commercial harvesting and enforcing strict limits on quantities.
- Guidelines for Foraging: Foragers are encouraged to gather small amounts and avoid heavily trafficked areas to protect both plant health and aesthetic integrity.
- Supporting Replanting Efforts: Many foragers choose to make donations, contributing to the park’s efforts to replenish and maintain plant diversity for future visitors.
Trails and Self-Guided Tours
The park offers a series of themed trails that cater to different interests, with some featuring optional audio tours or digital maps for immersive experiences:
- Plants and People: This trail explores the connection between botany and culture, complete with a downloadable map and audio guide.
- Heritage Trail: For those drawn to history, this route showcases key historical sites and architectural details.
- Meet Me at the Cemetery Gates: An audio-led journey sharing the stories of the park and its community.
- Let’s Get Lost: A sonic map of interviews and archival recordings for a sensory-rich experience.
- Siren Sea – All Is Lost For She: An atmospheric audio walk blending natural soundscapes and storytelling.
- What’s In Tour?: A site-specific literary experience with a downloadable map that guides visitors to read stories at designated spots within the park.
Visiting Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park remains open at all times, allowing visitors to enjoy its grounds at any hour, any day of the year. While the main entrance gate on Southern Grove generally operates from dawn until dusk, the schedule can occasionally vary due to volunteer oversight.
For those arriving on foot, by bike, or with wheelchairs, the accessible gates on Hamlets Way and Cantrell Road offer 24-hour entry, with specially designed metal gates that permit easy access for pedestrians, pushchairs, and cyclists while preventing entry for motorbikes. Main pathways are resurfaced with durable, eco-friendly materials, ensuring year-round accessibility for runners, those using wheelchairs, and families with strollers.
The park is also accessible by public transport, with nearby bus stops and several Tube stations, including Mile End and Bow Road. For those driving, limited on-street parking is available nearby, and with prior arrangements, a few parking spots within the park can be allocated.
For dog owners, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, provided that owners promptly clean up after their pets in compliance with local regulations. All visitors are expected to treat the space with care and respect to preserve it for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Beyond Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park with CityDays
For those inspired to explore more of London’s hidden gems and lesser-known landmarks, CityDays offers interactive scavenger and treasure hunt tours across the city.
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