Ever wonder what connects a pioneer of trade unionism with a BAFTA-winning actor? The answer lies within East Sheen Cemetery. This cemetery is located on Sheen Road in East Sheen. It holds stories of industrialists, artists, actors, and war heroes.
Originally known as Barnes Cemetery, East Sheen Cemetery opened in 1906. It was on what had been woodland in Surrey. Initially, only half the site was for burials. The other half was a nursery. In the 1930s, the nursery was converted and the entire site became East Sheen Cemetery.
Today, it merges seamlessly with Richmond Cemetery. A simple holly hedge marks the original boundary. Both cemeteries are managed by Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council.
Notice the chapel. It serves both East Sheen and Richmond Cemeteries. Richmond Cemetery’s chapel is no longer used. Local architect Reginald Rowell designed East Sheen’s chapel in 1906. Rowell is also buried here. The chapel is Gothic revival style with a slender flèche.
East Sheen Cemetery has many significant memorials. The Lancaster Memorial is perhaps the most striking. It is dedicated to George William Lancaster and his partner Louisa Mary. Both were from the north of England. They made their fortune in coal mining. Sydney March sculpted a bronze angel weeping over a stone sarcophagus. Some consider it one of the most important sculptures of its kind.
The Buxton Memorial is also noteworthy. Alfred Buxton, Markham Buxton’s son, created this bronze relief on a stone stele. The relief shows a woman in classical dress playing a lyre.
East Sheen Cemetery also contains over 70 war graves. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for them. These graves commemorate soldiers from both World Wars.
Among the notable burials is Clementina Black. She was a writer and trade unionist. Roy Kinnear, a beloved actor, is also buried here. Fulton Mackay, famous for “Porridge”, rests here with his wife Sheila Manahan. William Ellsworth Robinson, Chung Ling Soo the magician, is buried here too.
The cemetery also holds a memorial to victims of the 2002 Bali bombings. It is a reminder of tragedy and remembrance.
East Sheen Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It is a place of reflection. It is a place of art. It is a chronicle of lives lived. It is a green sanctuary in the city. Next time you are looking for family history, remember that the cemetery registers are available to view online. You can even download a map of the cemetery to help you find the exact grave you are looking for.