Forgotten stories slumber here at Woolwich Cemetery. It sits in Plumstead, southeast London. This is no ordinary resting place. It’s a chronicle etched in stone and earth.
Woolwich Cemetery actually comprises two parts. There is the Old Cemetery to the west. Then there is the New Cemetery to the east. Rockliffe Gardens divides them. The Old Cemetery began in 1856. Soon it neared capacity. So, the New Cemetery opened in 1885.
Pause for a moment. Consider the trees. Cedars stand tall. Scots pines reach for the sky. Limes offer shade. Corsican pines add a touch of the Mediterranean. A copper beech displays its rich color. These trees have watched over countless burials.
Did you know Woolwich Cemetery served as a film location? “The Krays” filmed scenes here in 1990. Later, in 2009, “Harry Brown” also used it. Even in cinema, Woolwich Cemetery plays a role.
The Princess Alice disaster looms large in the cemetery’s history. In 1878, the pleasure steamer sank after colliding with the Bywell Castle. Over 120 victims found their final resting place here. A commemorative cross honors them. It was funded by a national subscription. Over 23000 people contributed. Each gave sixpence.
Many gravestones were removed from the Old Cemetery. The east site became the New Cemetery in 1885. It remains in use today.
War graves dot the landscape. Woolwich Cemetery holds 96 World War I graves. It also contains 81 World War II graves. These markers remind us of sacrifice. They speak of global conflict. The Royal Arsenal explosions also left their mark. Some buried here died in those blasts. A World War I memorial lists 14 names.
Among the notable figures buried here, Hubert Bland rests. He was a journalist. He was a socialist. Also, he co-founded the Fabian Society. Thomas Monaghan VC lies here too. Furthermore, John Taylor VC also rests in this cemetery.
Woolwich Cemetery covers 12 acres originally. That is about 4.9 hectares. The cemetery sits on land that was once part of Plumstead Common. The Royal Borough of Greenwich owns it.
The original Anglican chapel still stands. It is Early English in style. It sits on the brow of the hill. The non-denominational chapel was demolished.
Woolwich Cemetery invites reflection. Consider the lives lived. Ponder the events that shaped this place. It’s more than just a cemetery. It is a living history book. Take a moment to appreciate its stories. Remember those who rest here.