Opened in 1861, Queen’s Road Cemetery stands as Croydon’s inaugural cemetery. Now, let’s step inside this place of rest. It is managed by the London Borough of Croydon today.
Queen’s Road Cemetery spans approximately 22 acres. It lies to the east of Mayday Hospital and west of Selhurst railway station. Over 91,000 burials have occurred here. The cemetery provides a tranquil setting. Large trees shade many graves. Shrubbery beds add to the landscaping.
In the 19th century, urban growth necessitated cemeteries outside city limits. The Burial Acts of 1852–57 addressed the need for affordable burial grounds. The Croydon Local Board of Health became the Burial Board in 1859. This board established Queen’s Road Cemetery.
Initially, there were plans to close St John the Baptist churchyard. However, it was allowed to continue burials until 1860. Queen’s Road Cemetery then became the primary site.
E.C. Robbins won an award for the best chapel design. His design included two mortuary chapels. Each chapel featured a simple nave with an open timbered roof. The Episcopal chapel had a semi-octagonal apse. These chapels are no longer used for burial services.
A lodge was built alongside the chapels. It once housed cemetery staff. Now, it is privately owned. Croydon Borough Council spent over five thousand pounds in 1860 to acquire the cemetery land. Around 22 acres were bought for two hundred pounds per acre. An additional eight pounds per acre was allocated for tithes. This ensured decent burials for the poor. The total cost, including buildings and landscaping, was sixteen thousand pounds.
The cemetery had designated sections. These sections accommodated the Church of England, Nonconformists, Roman Catholics, and the Society of Friends. Archbishop John Sumner consecrated the Church of England section in July 1861. Archbishop Thomas Grant blessed the Roman Catholic section in August 1861. In its first year, there were 63 consecrated and 20 unconsecrated burials. Croydon’s population at the time was approximately 30,663.
A brick public air-raid shelter stands in the southwest corner.
The first burial was Mr. Thomas Garniss. He was a member of the Croydon Board of Guardians. His grave was purchased in July 1861. Large sections belong to the Ladies of Mary. This is a Roman Catholic religious order. Brothers of the Christian Schools from 1904–51 also lie together here. Many parish priests of St Mary’s are buried in Queen’s Road Cemetery. Street traders of Croydon have graves here. The area is known as ‘Surrey Street’ after Surrey Street Market.
Admiral Sir Stephen Lushington is buried here. He was a Crimean War veteran and governor of Greenwich Hospital. There are 181 Commonwealth service war graves. These graves are from both World Wars. Hurricane Pilot Flying Officer Peter Carter is also buried here. He fought in the Battle of Britain. The parents and sister of Charles Spurgeon rest here. He was a Victorian preacher.
Joshua Allder, founder of Allders department store, is interred here. Reuben Barrow, Liberal MP for Bermondsey, also rests here. Victims of the Croydon Poisoning Mystery are buried in a double grave.
Queen’s Road Cemetery provides a habitat for wildlife. Various trees, bushes, and shrubs thrive here. Green and great spotted woodpeckers can be seen. Jays, magpies, and robins also inhabit the cemetery. Trees include yew, birch, beech, and pine. Blosoming fruit trees add to the landscape.
Today, no new graves are available. Burials in family graves are possible with the owner’s permission. Reclaimed graves and cremated remains graves are available. Queen’s Road Cemetery is open every day. It welcomes visitors seeking solace. Its historic charm and natural beauty offer a peaceful retreat. The cemetery serves as a reminder of Croydon’s rich history.