Was it destiny or chance that led Croydon Rural District Council to establish Bandon Hill Cemetery here in 1900? This cemetery offers a serene escape. It is a place where history whispers through the trees.
Bandon Hill Cemetery spans about 15 acres. That’s roughly six and a quarter hectares. Over 14000 grave spaces fill this space. It became a shared responsibility of the London Boroughs of Croydon and Sutton in 1965. This came about with the formation of London Boroughs.
The first burial here took place on March 7, 1900. Fast forward to March 24, 2006. Bandon Hill Cemetery marked its 30000th interment.
Among the many interred here lie notable figures. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor rests here. He was an English composer once hailed as the African Mahler. His musical genius touched many lives. Eugene Stratton is also buried here. He was an American-born dancer and singer famous in British music halls. Joe Elvin rests here as well. He was a Cockney comedian and a founder of the Grand Order of Water Rats. This is a show business charity. Also resting here is Jack Lotto. He was a music hall performer known for his trick-cycling act.
Bandon Hill Cemetery also holds the graves of war heroes. One hundred and twenty-four Commonwealth service personnel from both World Wars are buried here. Each marker tells a story of sacrifice.
The cemetery is laid out on a grid pattern. It was created on open land south of Queenswood House. Mature trees dot the landscape. The original entrance lodge and chapels still stand. Bandon Hill Cemetery even boasts the only species-rich acidic grassland in the Borough.
Visiting Bandon Hill Cemetery offers a peaceful reflection. The cemetery opens at 8 am on weekdays. On weekends and bank holidays it opens at 9 am. On Christmas and New Year’s Day it opens at 10 am. Closing times vary. They are 4.30 pm from November to February. In March it closes at 5 pm. October sees a 6 pm closing. April’s closing time is 6.30 pm. May and September close at 7 pm. June to August it closes at 7.30 pm.
Bandon Hill Cemetery provides a tranquil space. It is a place to remember. It is also a place to appreciate the lives that have shaped our world. As you wander through its paths remember the stories etched in stone.