Whispers of the past linger in Margravine Cemetery. This Victorian oasis a haven of green and tranquility hides a rich history. Opened in 1868 Margravine Cemetery initially known as Hammersmith Cemetery served the growing borough. Designed by George Saunders the cemetery boasts modest Gothic lodges and chapels. Only one chapel survives today.
The first burial occurred on November 3 1869. The cemetery soon filled becoming a significant part of the community. It wasn’t always peaceful though. Stories abound of a superintendent’s foul-mouthed wife and belligerent gravediggers. The cemetery faced challenges including legal battles over land boundaries.
By 1951 Margravine Cemetery closed for new burials. Hammersmith Council transformed it into a Garden of Rest. Many memorials were removed or buried. This created the unique landscape we see today a blend of grassy areas and remaining gravestones. The council’s decision sparked local protests yet many graves including those of Commonwealth War Graves Commission were left untouched.
Among the notable monuments is the impressive Young family mausoleum the only one of its kind in Margravine Cemetery. Other striking memorials include a green bronze tribute to George Broad who created the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus. There is also a memorial to victims of a munitions factory explosion. Several notable figures rest here including artists politicians and a Victoria Cross recipient.
The cemetery wasn’t spared during World War II. It was bombed three times resulting in damage and a crater. Today Margravine Cemetery is a peaceful place. It’s also a Nature Conservation Area of Local Importance teeming with wildlife. Explore its grounds and discover the stories whispered amongst the trees and stones. Remember the lives lived the history buried beneath your feet. The cemetery’s past continues to echo in its present.