Overwhelmed by London’s overflowing cemeteries in the 1840s the St George’s Hanover Square Burial Board sought a solution. This led to the creation of City of Westminster Hanwell Cemetery.
Hanwell Cemetery a haven of peace and history stands before you. Opened in 1853 it was initially for the exclusive use of St George’s Hanover Square. Architect Robert Jerrard designed its Victorian Gothic buildings. Consecrated in 1854 the first burial followed shortly after.
The cemetery’s expansion to 23 acres was completed by 1883. It was transferred to the Metropolitan Borough of the City of Westminster in 1889. World War Two caused extensive damage. A post-war gift restored the chapel’s south stained-glass windows. These windows depict around 30 biblical emblems.
A fascinating piece of Hanwell Cemetery history involves its controversial sale. In 1987 Shirley Porter’s Westminster City Council sold it to developers. It was reacquired in 1990. Extensive restoration followed in 1994. The council also updated the cemetery to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act in 2001.
Hanwell Cemetery holds many notable figures. Singer Al Bowlly a victim of The Blitz rests in a mass grave. Other notable residents include Suffragette Violet Bland comedian Freddie Frinton and chloroform pioneer Dr Robert Mortimer Glover. The cemetery also features 84 Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves. A Royal British Legion memorial cross stands at the centre. A civilian memorial remembers 200 Westminster residents killed during World War II.
City of Westminster Hanwell Cemetery is more than just a resting place. It’s a testament to history. It’s a quiet sanctuary filled with stories waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to reflect on the lives commemorated here. The serene atmosphere invites peaceful contemplation and quiet respect.