Dare to step into a world where time stands still? This is Barnes Old Cemetery. It is a place where nature and history intertwine.
Barnes Old Cemetery, established in 1854, served as an overflow burial ground for the local parish. The Church of England purchased two acres for just ten pounds. An additional 1,400 pounds provided a chapel lodge and landscaping.
Imagine this cemetery in its early days. Distinguished Victorians found their final resting place here. Monuments and statues rose to honor their memories. At the heart stood a grand memorial to the Hedgman family. They were local benefactors of Barnes.
But there’s more to this place than meets the eye. Locals whispered tales of a ghostly nun. She was said to hover over Julia Martha Thomas’s grave. Thomas was the victim of a notorious murder in 1879.
Fast forward to 1966. The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames acquired the cemetery. Their plan? To transform it into a lawn cemetery. The council demolished the chapel and lodge. They even removed the boundary railings. But the transformation never happened. The council abandoned the cemetery.
For thirty years, Barnes Old Cemetery suffered. Graves and monuments fell victim to damage and vandalism. Yet, a transformation began. People started to care for this beautiful old cemetery. Its gothic charm and evocative light levels have become a draw. Art and film students now find inspiration here.
Today the cemetery is a sanctuary for birds and fauna. Thrushes wrens and finches breed here. You can find goldcrests too. Some original plantings remain. Yew cedar and holly trees stand tall. Native deciduous trees like oak ash and birch thrive. Wildflowers add color to the serene setting. Herb Robert ox-eye daisy and foxglove peek out.
Ten Commonwealth service personnel rest here. Seven from World War I and three from World War II. Their graves are registered and maintained.
Among the notable interments is Alexander Joseph Finberg. He was an art historian and expert on J.M.W. Turner. James Heywood a philanthropist MP and social reformer is also buried here. Ebenezer Cobb Morley the father of The Football Association rests here too. Even Julia Martha Thomas the murder victim lies within these grounds.
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames calls it an atmospheric and romantic place. It evokes an atmosphere of decay and seclusion. Barnes Old Cemetery is more than just a graveyard. It is a testament to time nature and memory. It is a place where stories linger in the shadows. Take a moment to reflect on the lives that have passed. Experience the unique charm of Barnes Old Cemetery.