5 must-visit cemeteries in the UK

To some the notion of visiting a Graveyards or cemetery for merely curious reasons can seem rather odd and quite morbid - especially in the context of a family holiday. However, for those interested in the historical background and the social development of certain areas, cemeteries - and the gravestones, monuments and structures within - can give an excellent insight into how they have changed.

1. Greyfriar's Kirkyard
This Scottish churchyard is one of the initial inspirations for this article, for it has recently been deemed a watch site by the World Monuments Fund. The Edinburgh yard is special for a number of reasons. The National Covenant was signed in the Kirk in 1638, later leading to the development of Presbyterianism and the political movement of the Scottish Parliament. It is also said to be haunted by the physically vicious Mackenzie Poltergeist.

2. Highgate Cemetery
Highgate in London opened in 1839 and has since come to be the final resting place of many notable people including Karl Marx and Michael Faraday. The cemetery is noted for its Gothic architecture, as well as its Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon. Tour groups are also allowed inside the oldest part of its Victorian mausoleums.

3. Glasgow Necropolis
The Glasgow Necropolis also dates from the Victorian era, and today includes around 3,500 tombs. At the summit of the necropolis hill stands a statue of clergyman and founder of Presbyterianism, John Knox, but the area is more famed for the sheer abundance of impressive monuments which date from the 1800s.

4. West Norwood Cemetary
Back to London, and West Norwood Cemetery again boasts an abundance of Victorian Gothic-revivalist architecture. West Norwood contains 66 Grade 2 listed buildings, as well as and including a crematorium, columbarium (a structure which houses urns) and a pottery/terracotta mausoleum constructed for Sir Henry Doulson (the inventor of pottery, and man behind Royal Doulton) and his family.

5. Arno's Vale Cemetery
Arno's Vale in Bristol also dates from the 1800s. Although it has been subject to major regeneration in recent years, due to vandalism and damage, it's Mortuary Chapel and other buildings are still on the buildings at risk register compiled by English Heritage. The cemetery's most famous tomb is undoubtedly that of Raja Rammohun Roy - and eastern influenced monument erected ion honour of the ‘Father of Indian Nation'.

About the Author

If you would like to find out more about Graveyards and what goes into the makeing of them, please have a look at http://www.stoneletters.com/

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by: Kate Tee Total views: 10 Word Count: 404 Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 Time: 11:42 AM 0 comments

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