“Buildings of Gothic design though laid out to a classical plan.” That’s how Highgate Cemetery Mortuary Chapel was described. Today, we stand before this gateway to the Western Cemetery.
Highgate Cemetery Mortuary Chapel is more than just an entrance. It links two mortuary chapels. One chapel served Anglicans. The other served Dissenters.
Stephen Geary designed Highgate Cemetery Mortuary Chapel. He founded the London Cemetery Company in 1836. Geary linked the two chapels. His design became standard for cemeteries. He was both an entrepreneur and an architect. James Bunstone Bunning supported Geary. Bunning became the Company’s Surveyor in 1839. Both Geary and Bunning are buried in Highgate Cemetery.
Highgate Cemetery Mortuary Chapel marks the entrance to the Western Cemetery. The Western Cemetery opened in May 1839. It is grand and elegant. The cemetery planners preserved the existing trees. Winding lanes lead to the Egyptian Avenue. The avenue features Egyptian columns and obelisks. This detailing is an extreme expression of the style.
The Circle of Lebanon lies beyond the avenue. Catacombs surround a Cedar of Lebanon. Above, you’ll see a terrace and St Michael’s Church. Lewis Vulliamy designed the church. Coleridge is buried under its central aisle. Bunning likely designed the catacombs below the church. These catacombs feature Gothic details. Thomas Porter added the New Catacombs later. They feature a classical style.
Highgate Cemetery’s setting was admired. Its location on a picturesque hill was beautiful. St Michael’s Church appeared to be part of the cemetery. London stretched out below. By 1888, about 100,000 people were buried here.
Many famous Victorians rest in the Western Cemetery. Sculptors like Henry Hugh Armstead are here. Michael Faraday the scientist is buried here. Artists such as Charles Landseer are here. The poet Christina Rossetti is also here.
The Eastern Cemetery opened in 1855. It lies across Swain’s Lane. A tunnel connects the chapels to the Eastern Cemetery. This tunnel avoided the busy road. The Eastern Cemetery is a more natural area.
Highgate Cemetery has faced challenges. Grave slippage and undergrowth occurred. The cemetery gained a spooky reputation. Some say Bram Stoker found inspiration for Dracula here. Its decayed grandeur has attracted horror movie filming. Restoration efforts are underway. Important people are still buried here. This may help preserve Highgate Cemetery.
Remember Philip Gould. His monument shows funerary sculpture still flourishes. As you pass through Highgate Cemetery Mortuary Chapel, consider the lives and legacies. Highgate Cemetery is a place of remembrance. It is a testament to Victorian design.